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July 31, 2024 — A glimpse into the everyday life and spirit of early twentieth-century America—from the perspective of a noted Ohio painter, illustrator and printmaker—will be revealed at the Cincinnati Art Museum in George Bellows: American Life in Print. This free exhibition is on view October 25, 2024–February 9, 2025.

The exhibition will commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Bellows’ (1882–1925) passing and feature 55 lithographs and drawings gifted and lent by Dr. James and Mrs. Lois Sanitato.  

Most of the works in George Bellows: American Life in Print are lithographs. Lithography is based on the fact that grease and water do not mix. An artist draws on a stone with a greasy material. The surface is then chemically treated to make the drawn image receptive to greasy printing ink, while the blank areas, when kept wet, repel the ink. The artist then presses paper onto the inked drawing to transfer the image.

Bellows was well known for his works’ social realism, an example being his scenes of boxers in the ring. Four of these works will be in the exhibition, along with intimate studies of his family and friends, snap shots of American life, atrocities of World War I and more.

“As an artist lithographer, Bellows transformed topical subjects into fine art,” shared Kristin Spangenberg, Curator of Prints at the Cincinnati Art Museum. “He advocated for lithography at a time when it was stigmatized as a commercial medium, capturing the spirit of the times with themes that were undeniably American.”

Bellows was born in 1882, in Columbus, Ohio. He attended the New York School of Art, where he studied under Robert Henri (1865–1929), a member and proponent of the Ashcan School. Henri encouraged his students to move beyond European traditions and to open their eyes to contemporary life and the transformation of the New York urban environment.

Just a few years later, Bellows garnered critical acclaim, becoming the youngest elected member to the National Academy. Financially successful, he later set up a lithograph press in his studio. Bellows eventually executed more than 190 prints in nine years.

George Bellows: American Life in Print will be accompanied by a 184-page, illustrated catalogue published by Giles Ltd. It features two essays: “Bellows, Advocate for Lithography” is an in-depth examination of 66 lithographs and drawings. A second essay explores the artist’s rise to fame in “Bellows and the ‘Art Palace of the West,’” focusing on his long-term relationship with the Cincinnati Art Museum and its Annual Exhibition of American Art.

This exhibition has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of Ohio Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities. Support provided by the IFPDA Foundation.

The exhibition will be on view in the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Gallery and the Manuel and Rhoda Mayerson Gallery (Galleries 124 and 125) located across from the Terrace Café. No tickets are required for this exhibition. General admission and parking at the Cincinnati Art Museum are also free. Photography is permitted, but no flash. On social media, use the hashtag #GeorgeBellows.

Upcoming, related events:

• Members Opening, Thursday, October 25: 5–7 p.m. Free. Members are invited to view the exhibition before it opens to the public. Enjoy snacks and a cash bar in the Great Hall. Please check in at the Visitors Services desk.
• CAM Presents: Gallery Talk Plus, Thursday, October 24: Two sessions at 6 and 7 p.m. Free for members, $20 general public, $5 students. Registration required. Limited tickets available.
• CAM Kids Day: Prints, Drawings, and People, Saturday, November 2: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. FREE, drop-in. 10–11 a.m. is members programming only.
• Create Plus: Pronto Plate Lithography, Thursday, December 14: 1–4 p.m. $20 members, $30 general public. Registration required.

Visit www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org as more information becomes available. Registration for programs will open one month in advance. Programs and schedule are subject to change.

About the Cincinnati Art Museum

One of the oldest arts institutions in the United States, and the first purpose-built art museum west of the Allegheny Mountains, the Cincinnati Art Museum features a diverse, encyclopedic art collection of more than 73,000 works spanning 6,000 years. In addition to displaying its own broad collection, the museum conducts extensive research and creates and organizes several exhibitions each year. It also hosts national and international traveling exhibitions. Through these critical projects and art-related programs, activities, and special events, the museum contributes to a more vibrant Cincinnati by inspiring its people and connecting its communities.

The Cincinnati Art Museum is supported by the generosity of individuals and businesses that give annually to ArtsWave. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Cincinnati Art Museum with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Cincinnati Art Museum gratefully acknowledges operating support from the City of Cincinnati, as well as its members. Free general admission to the Cincinnati Art Museum is made possible by a gift from the Rosenthal Family Foundation. Exhibition pricing may vary. Generous support for the museum’s extended Thursday hours is provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program. Parking at the Cincinnati Art Museum is free. More information is available at cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

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