Description
George Bellows-Man on His Back, State 2-1910s Rare EstateSigned Lithograph
An original 1916 lithograph by major American artist GeorgeBellows (1882–1925), titled Man on His Back, Nude. It was penciled estatesigned by the artist’s daughter Jean Bellows Booth (JBB). The work is thesecond and final state, catalogued as Mason 3 ii/ii.
George Bellows was one of the leading American artists ofthe early 20th century and a central figure associated with the Ashcan School.Celebrated for his vigorous depictions of urban life, boxing matches,landscapes, and the human figure, Bellows was also an important Americanlithographer. His lithographic practice began in 1916, making Man on His Backone of his earliest works in the medium. Bellows produced only two lithographsdevoted specifically to male nude figure studies, Mason 2 and Mason 3, makingthis an unusual subject within his graphic oeuvre.
Man on His Back is a very rare Bellows lithograph. Masonestimated an edition of probably only 10 impressions, although impressionsbearing numbers above 10 are known, and another published source records anedition of 19. The present impression is numbered No. 8. The combination of itsvery small edition, early date, and male nude subject makes it one of Bellows’less frequently encountered lithographs.
The print is in good condition. The sheet has minor handlingmarks and minor creases along the left margin. There are faint age-relatedmarks and minor surface wear consistent with handling. Pencil inscriptions arepresent on the verso. Unframed. Please refer to the pictures for condition.
Details: • Artist: George Bellows (1882–1925) • Title: Man on His Back • Date: 1916 • Medium: Lithograph on laid paper • State: Second state of two • Catalogue Reference: Mason 3 ii/ii • Edition: Mason records probably 10 impressions; another published sourcerecords 19 impressions • Inscriptions:
– Lower left margin, “No 8” (pencil)
– Lower right margin, “Geo Bellows / J.B.B.”(pencil estate signature)
– Lower right margin, “BFT 125” (pencil)
– Upper left in image, “Geo Bellows” (in stone)
– Verso, pencil inscription “B314-19”
• Provenance:
– Bellows Family Trust (BFT 125)
– Rachel Davis Fine Arts
• Dimensions:
– Paper: 13.25 x 10.25 in
– Image: 11.75 x 8.5 in
• Framing: Unframed • Condition: Good, minor handling marks, minor creases along left margin, faintage-related surface marks, pencil inscriptions on verso, unframed. Please referto the pictures for condition.
Disclaimer:
I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracyand authenticity of this work to the best of my ability. However, it is sold asis, with no guarantees or warranties regarding its provenance or historicalattribution.
