Who painted My Mother?

My Mother was painted by George Bellows in 1921.

Where can I see My Mother?

My Mother is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

Can I buy a print of My Mother?

Museum-quality prints of My Mother are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

My Mother

George Bellows , 1921

My Mother is an oil painting by George Bellows. It dates from 1921 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1921, *My Mother* is an oil painting by American realist George Bellows. While Bellows is widely recognized for his vigorous depictions of New York’s streets, this work diverges toward an intimate, domestic scene. The canvas is part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s permanent collection, where it is displayed among other early‑20th‑century American works.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on an elderly woman seated in a simple chair, clothed in a dark, floor‑length dress. Her pale complexion and steady gaze meet the viewer directly, while her hands rest calmly in her lap. The subdued setting—a dimly lit interior with a curtained window to the right—conveys a mood of quiet reflection and domestic serenity.

Technique & Style

Bellows employs chiaroscuro, contrasting deep shadows with illuminated areas to model the figure’s form and give the room a three‑dimensional presence. The brushwork remains restrained, emphasizing the solidity of the woman’s posture and the texture of the surrounding fabrics. This controlled handling of light and tone underscores the painting’s contemplative atmosphere.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the painting entered the American art market before being acquired by the Art Institute of Chicago, where it has remained in the museum’s collection. Its presence there situates the work within a broader narrative of early twentieth‑century realist painting in the United States.

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Artist & collection

Artist

George Bellows

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.

Museum

Art Institute of Chicago

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