George Bellows

George Wesley Bellows was a leading American artist in the first quarter of the 20^th century. While he was best known for his paintings of boxing matches, and scenes of the New York City scene, he also painted compelling seascapes, and portraits of his wife and daughters.

Bellows was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1882. He moved to New York City in 1904, where he studied painting with the painter and teacher Robert Henri and was associated with the Ashcan School artists. Bellows’ studio was near Tom Sharkey’s boxing club. There, Bellows saw the professional prize fights that inspired two of the most powerful paintings ever done of fighters in action – Both Members of This Club (1909) and Stag at Sharkey’s (1909). His many paintings of family show his ability to depict character and mood. Bellows died in 1925. His work can be seen in the permanent collections of America’s most prestigious art institutions.