Auction:

American & European Works of Art - 3072B

Location:

Boston

Date / Time :

January 26, 2018 10:00AM

Description:

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.
Estimate $15,000-25,000

Sheet measures 21 1/4 x 25 3/4 (54.0 x 5.4 cm). Deckled left and top edges. Hinged at upper corners; u.r. hinge has slipped. Rippling/cockling to sheet primarily at margins. Fox mark or similar in l.r. margin. Glazed with glass. No additional issues to report.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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