Description
George Bellows-The Actress-1920s Signed American Lithograph
An original 1923–1924 lithograph by major American artistGeorge Bellows (1882–1925), titled The Actress, also known as Lady of 1860, TheActress. The impression is signed in pencil “Geo Bellows” at lower right andbears the pencil inscription “Bolton Brown – imp” at lower left, identifyingBellows’ longtime lithographic printer Bolton Brown. The title “The Actress” isinscribed in pencil at the lower center. The work is catalogued as Mason 178,with an edition of only 43 impressions.
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 New York life, boxing matches,landscapes, portraits, and figure subjects, Bellows was also one of the mostimportant American lithographers of his generation. His lithographic practicebegan in 1916 and developed into a substantial body of work produced in closecollaboration with master printer Bolton Brown.
The Actress reflects Bellows’ longstanding interest intheater and performance. Bellows and his wife Emma were enthusiastic patrons ofopera and theater in New York, and Bellows was acquainted with artists andperformers associated with the stage, including fellow member of The EightEverett Shinn. According to the Mason catalogue, the figure depicted here mayrepresent a character from John Drinkwater’s play Abraham Lincoln, which openedin New York in 1919 and was set in 1860.
The print is in good condition. The sheet has minor handlingmarks and light age-related surface wear. Two small remnants or traces fromprevious mounting are present along the upper margin on the verso. The sheetotherwise retains broad margins and deckled edges. Unframed. Please refer tothe pictures for condition.
Details:
• Artist: George Bellows (1882–1925)
• Title: The Actress
• Alternate Title: Lady of 1860, The Actress
• Date: 1923–1924
• Medium: Lithograph
• Catalogue Reference: Mason 178
• Edition: 43
• Other Reference: B. 102
• Printer: Bolton Brown
• Inscriptions:
– Lower left margin, “Bolton Brown – imp”(pencil)
– Lower center margin, “The Actress” (pencil)
– Lower right margin, “Geo Bellows” (pencilsignature)
– Right margin, “BFT 180” (pencil)
– Lower left inimage, “GB” (on stone)
• Provenance:
– Bellows Family Trust (BFT 180)
– Rachel Davis Fine Arts
• Dimensions:
– Paper: 15.5 x 13in
– Image: 13.5 x 11in
• Framing: Unframed
• Condition: Good, minor handling marks and lightage-related surface wear, with remnants/traces from previous mounting along theupper margin on verso. Unframed. Please refer to the pictures for condition.
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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.
