George Bellows

George Bellows was an American painter, draftsman and lithographer who became best known for his images of urban life in New York, especially scenes from the streets and pub pictures. His style was that of an American Realist, especially of the so-called Ashcan School. He also worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for a number of magazines such as Harper’s Weekly, Collier’s, Vanity Fair, Metropolitan, and the socialist magazine, The Masses.

In addition to boxing, he also painted scenes from tennis and baseball, as he himself was an avid sportsman. Later he painted portraits and family scenes that varied greatly in style. His father was an architect and master builder.

George Bellows first worked as a sports reporter for a local newspaper, before studying in Columbus, his birthplace, and later in New York. He stayed there until the end of his life and taught at the Art Students League. In 1925 Bellows died from a ruptured appendix.

Because his works were shown posthumously, they were entered hors concours in 1932. Stag at Sharkey’s was one of Bellows’ most famous paintings. He is said to have been a regular visitor to Sharkey’s Athletic Club himself. The club was founded by heavyweight boxer “Sailor Tom” Sharkey (1873-1953). At the time boxing matches were allowed only as part of private club events. Non-members were only temporarily admitted and referred to as “Stag”. The oil painting on canvas (92 x 122.6 cm) was created in 1909 and is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. In 1917 Bellows produced an etching with the same motif. The first edition of the lithograph Between Rounds (51.8 x 41.6 cm) was printed in 1916.