George Bellows (American, 1882-1925) Between Rounds, Large, First Stone

George Bellows (American, 1882-1925)

Between Rounds, Large, First Stone, 1916, edition of 58 (Mason, 25). Signed "Geo. Bellows (F.B.B.)" in pencil l.r., inscribed "No 35" in pencil l.l., identified on a label from H.V. Allison & Co., Inc., New York, affixed to the backing. Lithograph on paper, image size 20 3/8 x 16 5/8 in. (51.7 x 42.2 cm), framed.
Condition: Not examined out of frame.

N.B. The initials next to the signature are those of Jean Bellows Booth, the artist's daughter, who signed this print. As the title suggests, this is the first and larger of two versions of this composition.

Here the exhausted boxer, Jimmy Nolan, collapses onto his stool and into the ropes, oblivious of all that goes on around him. His trainers hustle to cool and hydrate him between rounds while his manager whispers strategy into his ear. In the background Tornado Black rests in relative comfort. The composition depicts a rematch between the two fighters. In their previous bout Jimmy lost his title to Black, and shortly thereafter his wife.