The Charge
1918
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1918
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Charge is a 1918 ink by George Bellows, depicting world war i, held at National Gallery of Art.
The painting shows a dramatic scene with horses and riders in motion. It's a chaotic moment, full of energy. The way the horses are depicted, with strong lines and simple shapes, makes this work interesting - it suggests a focus on movement and action. This focus on movement is notable because it creates a sense of tension. The simple shapes and lines also give the scene a sense of urgency. You can learn more about this style by looking into the technique: lithography.
