George Bellows (American, 1882-1925) Preliminaries

George Bellows (American, 1882-1925)

Preliminaries, alternatively titled Preliminaries to the Big Bout, 1916, edition of 67 (Mason, 24). Signed "Geo. Bellows (F.B.B.)" in pencil l.r., inscribed "No 44" 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 15 3/4 x 19 5/8 in. (40.0 x 49.8 cm), framed.
Condition: Cockling, 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. Preliminaries is one of Bellows' earliest boxing subject lithographs and is the only one to include women. It is also one of the few that takes the focus off of the boxers and turns it onto the audience. The central figure is elegantly attired in a long gown, and stares out directly at us. Her companions, both male and female, are well heeled. The setting is Madison Square Garden in New York.