Dance in a Madhouse
1917
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1917
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dance in a Madhouse is a 1917 by George Bellows, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This sketch shows a chaotic scene in a dimly lit room. People are moving wildly—some stand with arms outstretched, others crouch or fall. A few faces look shocked or confused. The lighting is uneven, with dark shadows and bright spots on clothes and skin. The artist used sharp lines and heavy shading to show the panic. The crowd feels crowded and messy, like a moment frozen in time. Check out George Bellows (American, 1882–1925) for more of his dramatic scenes.