George Bellows (American, 1882-1925) The White Hope

George Bellows (American, 1882-1925)

The White Hope, 1921, edition of 50 (Mason, 96). Signed "Geo Bellows E.S.B." in pencil l.r., signed within the matrix, signed "Bolton Brown - imp -" in pencil l.l., inscribed "21" in pencil at corner l.l., identified on a label from H.V. Allison & Co., Inc., New York, accompanying the lot. Lithograph on thin laid paper, image size 14 7/8 x 19 in. (37.6 x 48.2 cm), framed.
Condition: Deckled right edge, minute stain l.c., unpressed crease to lower margin near left corner, pencil annotations to verso, minor cockling to edges.

N.B. Made in 1921, The White Hope depicts a bout from 11 years prior. The combatants are the first African-American heavyweight champ, Jack Johnson, who watches as Jim Jeffries, the "white hope," slumps to the mat. Heavyweight champ Jeffries had retired undefeated in 1905, but came out of retirement to take on Johnson, the then current champ. Johnson defeated Jeffries to defend the title in 1910 in a fifteen round fight held in Reno.

The initials next to the signature are those of Emma S. Bellows Booth, the artist's wife, who signed this print.