Study for ‘Riverfront No. 1’ (c. 1915)

1’ by George Wesley BellowsOur new exhibit spotlights a fascinating piece by the esteemed American artist, George Wesley Bellows, titled "Study for ‘Riverfront No. 1’." Created around 1915, this compelling charcoal sketch offers a glimpse into Bellows’ preparatory process for what would become a larger final work.The drawing reveals a study of human form and movement with an almost sculptural precision. It features a figure captured in a bending position. The person depicted bends forward, their hands perhaps clutching onto their shins, evoking a sense of strain or deep movement. The formidable, curved lines accentuate the muscular tension and the physical exertion evident in the pose.Bellows' mastery in using dynamic strokes to convey vitality and emotion is notable here. The sweeping lines not only outline the figure but also suggest the texture of clothing and the subtlety of human anatomy. Moreover, this sketch could be viewed as an exploration of labor, possibly reflecting the physicality of the working class along the riverfronts—a common theme in Bellows’ broader body of work.Visitors are invited to delve into the depth and intensity of this powerful composition, reflecting on its context within both its historical moment and its role within the oeuvre of George Wesley Bellows.