George Bellows, c1903
With the opening of the George Bellows exhibit at the Columbus Museum of Art, we would like to take the opportunity to talk about this OSU alum, who became one of the nation’s most celebrated artists in his relatively short life.
George Bellows was born on Long Island in New York in 1882, but moved with his family to Columbus when he was a child. His father wanted him to become a builder and architect like himself, but Bellows, the son, rebelled. Fellow Ohio State classmate Fred Cornell (the author of Carmen, Ohio) later said of Bellows: “He was rigid in the teachings of his parents. But, in the things that are of the mind, he stepped out for himself… He made good at anything to which he turned his hand.”
Bellows’ sketch of Professor Nathaniel Lord, c1903
Bellows graduated from Central High School before attending Ohio State from 1902 to 1904. Known as “Ho” Bellows to his fellow undergrads, the young artist spent much of his time participating in the Men’s Glee Club and the Baseball and Basketball teams, and he also served as art editor of the Makio, Ohio State’s yearbook. The 1904 Makio in particular bears his mark, with cartoons and illustrations throughout, including some rather entertaining sketches of his professors.
Bellows left Ohio State to attend the New York School of Art under Robert Henri, a leader of the American realism movement. While Columbus gave Bellows his start, New York was undoubtedly where he found his inspiration. There, he also met another art student, Emma Story, whom he later persuaded to marry him. His work developed, and his love of athletic contests of all varieties is recorded on canvas. He painted what he wanted to paint, without regard for fashion, style, artistic formula, the critics or popularity.
“Summer Day” by George Bellows, n.d.
Sadly, George Bellows passed away all too soon at the age of 42 after an emergency appendectomy in 1925. It did not take long after his death for the museums to start clamoring for his work, and for critics to declare his work as some of the greatest examples of American art in the 20th century.
Last year, OSU Libraries and the Columbus Museum of Art partnered to acquire Bellows’ business ledgers in which he maintained meticulous records of his artistic production, including sales and exhibition showings.
– Filed by C.N.
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