Artwork
Study of My Mother, First Stone

Study of My Mother, First Stone is a print by George Bellows. It dates from 1921 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1936.631
- Credit line
- Gift of Leonard C. Hanna Jr.
About this work
Overview
Study of My Mother, First Stone is a 1921 print by George Bellows, an American artist known for realistic depictions of everyday life.
Subject & Meaning
The print is a portrait of the artist's mother, shown seated in a chair with a lamp behind her, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation.
Technique & Style
The black-and-white work employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between light and dark to create a three-dimensional effect, emphasizing the subject's form and texture.
Context
As part of Bellows' oeuvre, this print reflects his interest in capturing the essence of his subjects through a realistic and nuanced approach.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.















