Preliminaries

1916

George Bellows

Associated Names
George Bellows

Artist, American, 1882 - 1925

This is a drawing of a boxing match scene. In the foreground, elegantly dressed attendees are seated and standing, observing the event. The shading and textures suggest a darkened space, with highlighted areas drawing attention to the spectators and the boxing ring. The ring shows two figures in an active pose. Characters are in formal attire, including tuxedos and top hats, watching from various angles. The composition captures anticipation and energy of a live sporting event. The style features detailed textures and a somber palette, focusing on lighting and shadows.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph in black

  • Credit Line

    Andrew W. Mellon Fund

  • Dimensions

    image: 40.01 × 49.53 cm (15 3/4 × 19 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1956.6.12

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Mason 1992, no. 24

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(H. V. Allison & Co., Larchmont, NY); purchased by NGA, 1956.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1995

  • Metropolitan Lives: The Ashcan Artists and Their New York, National Museum of American Art, Washington, D.C.; New-York Historical Society, 1995-1996.

2012

  • George Bellows, National Gallery of Art, Washington; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2012 - 2013, no. 120.

Bibliography

1927

  • Bellows, Emma S. George W. Bellows: His Lithographs. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1927, no. 21.

1977

  • Mason, Lauris. The Lithographs of George Bellows: A Catalogue Raisonné. Millwood, NY: KTO Press, 1977, no. 24.

1982

  • Carmean, E.A., Jr., et al. Bellows: The Boxing Pictures. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1982: 31.

1992

  • Mason, Lauris. The Lithographs of George Bellows: A Catalogue Raisonné. San Francisco: Alan Wofsy Fine Arts, 1992, p. 67, no. 24.

2012

  • Brock, Charles, et al. George Bellows. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2012-2013. Washington and New York, 2012: no. 120.

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite: No. 63; lower center in graphite: Preliminaries; lower right in graphite: Geo. Bellows; lower left in plate: Geo Bellows.

Wikidata ID

Q65224895

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