Description
George Bellows-The Old Rascal-1910s Pencil SignedLithograph-Framed
An original 1916 lithograph on Japan paper by Americanrealist artist George Wesley Bellows (1882–1925), titled The Old Rascal. Thecomposition depicts a nude woman confronted at close range by an older, heavilycloaked man within a dark interior, creating a dramatic contrast between theilluminated figure and the densely worked surrounding shadows. Bellows himselfdescribed the composition as “A Rabelaisian Study,” referring to the broad andoften provocative humor associated with the French Renaissance writer FrançoisRabelais.
Bellows attended Ohio State University before moving toNew York, where he studied under Robert Henri at the New York School of Art. Hebecame one of the most important American realist artists of the early 20thcentury, producing paintings, drawings, and lithographs depicting urban life,boxing, social subjects, portraits, and figure studies. Bellows later taught atthe Art Students League of New York.
The print is signed “Geo Bellows” in pencil at the lowerright, titled The Old Rascal in pencil at the lower center, and numbered “No14” in pencil at the lower left. The edition size is recorded as 53. Thelithograph is catalogued as Mason 11. Bellows’s original 1916 drawing for TheOld Rascal is preserved in the Boston Public Library collection.
The work is in good condition. The Japan paper showsminor age-related coloration and light handling marks, with small localizedsurface abrasions or old mounting traces visible on the verso. The printremains strong and well defined, with broad margins. It is framed under glassin a dark brown wood frame. The frame shows scattered scratches, scuffs, andfinish wear consistent with age. Please refer to the pictures for condition.
—
Details:
• Artist: George Wesley Bellows (1882–1925)
• Title: The Old Rascal
• Date: 1916
• Medium: Lithograph on Japan paper
• Edition: Edition of 53
• Impression Number: No. 14
• Catalogue Raisonné: Mason 11
• Inscriptions:
– Pencilsignature “Geo Bellows,” lower right
– Pencil title“The Old Rascal,” lower center
– Pencilinscription “No 14,” lower left
• Provenance:
– Weschler’s,Rockville, Maryland
• Dimensions:
– Frame: 20 x 18x 1.5 in
– Paper: 16.75 x11.5 in
– Image: 10 x 9in
• Framing: Framed under glass in a dark brown wood frame
• Condition: Good; minor age-related coloration and lighthandling marks; small localized surface abrasions or old mounting tracesvisible on verso; broad margins; frame shows scattered scratches, scuffs, andfinish wear consistent with age. Please refer to 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.
