1916
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
A Stag at Sharkey's is a 1916 by George Bellows, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
Two wrestlers are locked in a tight grapple inside a ring, their bodies twisted and straining. The crowd around them leans forward, hands gripping the ropes, faces tense with excitement. Shadows stretch deep across the scene, making the fighters look almost sculpted from the dark background. Notice how the artist uses bold light and dark contrasts to make the action pop. It’s like the wrestlers are the only thing lit in a spotlight. Check out *chiaroscuro* to see how this technique works in other art.
George Wesley Bellows (August 12 or August 19, 1882 – January 8, 1925) was an American realist painter, known for his bold depictions of urban life in New York City.
See the richer artist pageYour cart is empty
Explore artworks →
