Preliminaries

1916

George Bellows

Associated Names
George Bellows

Artist, American, 1882 - 1925

This is a drawing of a boxing match in an indoor arena. The focus is on a dimly lit boxing ring with two figures boxing and a referee overseeing them. Surrounding the ring is an audience of elegantly dressed figures, mostly in dark formal attire and top hats. The composition is in a dark monochrome palette, creating a sense of suspense and intensity. The crowd's postures and expressions add depth to the scene, showing an intersection between sport, social gathering, and spectacle.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph in black on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon

  • Dimensions

    image: 40 x 50 cm (15 3/4 x 19 11/16 in.)
    sheet: 54.5 x 66 cm (21 7/16 x 26 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1983.1.88

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Mason 1992, no. 24

Artwork history & notes

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.

1992

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

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite: No 27; lower center in graphite: Preliminaries.; lower right in graphite: Geo Bellows

Wikidata ID

Q74039175

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