In its memorial tribute to George W. Bellows in 1925, ARTnews proclaimed, "America has lost perhaps her most vigorous and forthright painter, . . . [a man] in whose work the stalk, roots, and fibre of America found a sincere and inspired expression." Born in Ohio, Bellows moved to New York City in 1904, seeking work as a commercial illustrator. Inspired by the teaching of painter Robert Henri, however, he redirected his focus and devoted himself to painting and lithography. Like Henri, Bellows was enthralled by the bustling city. His depictions of crowded neighborhoods, giant construction projects, and, most famously, fierce boxing matches at Sharkey's club-saloon reflect his interest in the tremendous sense of movement and change that characterized the metropolis. This portrait of Bellows was taken only a year before Bellows's death at age forty-two from appendicitis.

Alfred Cohn (1897-1972)
Gelatin silver print, 1924
Not published
ARTnews Collection, New York City