Artwork
War Series: Sniped
War Series: Sniped is a print by George Bellows. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
War Series: Sniped, a 1918 print by American realist George Bellows, diverges from his typical urban themes to address the broader, somber realities of World War I.
Subject & Meaning
The piece depicts a crouched soldier in a trench, partially illuminated by a shell flash, conveying the intense, raw experience of warfare without heroic undertones.
Technique & Style
Bellows employs stark contrasts of light and dark, with a notably dramatic effect on the soldier's helmet, achieved through his interpretation of news photographs.
History & Provenance
Created in 1918 from news photo references (Bellows did not serve), the work is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Context
Produced during WWI, the print reflects Bellows' response to the war's atrocities, driven by anger rather than direct experience.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Wesley Bellows (August 12 or August 19, 1882 – January 8, 1925) was an American realist painter, known for his bold depictions of urban life in New York City.
