Painted by George Bellows in 1909, Stag Night At Sharkeys, a part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s since 1922, portrays the new and dark city life of early twentieth century New York City. Unlike any other artwork at the time, this specific painting became known as a reputable piece because of the artist’s ability to capture a specific moment in time, lasting merely a second, and turn it into a magnificent work of art. Through the use of color, detailing, and viewpoint, Bellows was able to create a painting that depicts the unique, roaring atmosphere of a vigorous prize fighting match.
The use of distinctive elements and details within the painting illustrates the emotion and tone the artist is trying to get across to viewer, and to where they …show more content…
At the time of being painted, 1909, the modern city of New York was booming with change and innovation. Immigrants from all over were coming into the jam packed city, and the notable industrial movement was just beginning. In order to portray life in the low income areas at the time, Bellows illustrated the growing pastime of boxing, more specifically prize fighting. Though illegal at the time, prize fighting, a contest between boxers for a prize, or a sum of money, drew men into the Sharkey Athletic Club, looking to enjoy a fight while making bets on who would win and possibly making money at the same time. As seen in the painting, only men came to watch the fight, most likely after a day of work in some sort of factory, which was a typical job when the art was painted. The grimacing looks on the crowd’s faces shows the vulgarity of the time as the athletes indulge into actions of extreme violence, hence the blood strokes covering the boxers upper bodies. The way in which I personally engage with the artwork, known as Phenomenology, is that I see a group of men attempting to escape the gruesome, monotonous daily life of of early 1900’s and fill that void with a strike of violence and intensity. In the midst of a violent brawl the two fighters in the ring are tired and worn-out, yet they continue to persevere through the battle in order to make a sum of money to …show more content…
Reigning as a contender for his most famous painting, and one of his first boxing pieces, Stag Night At Sharkey’s, illustrates Bellow’s profound skill in using detailed, unique techniques and colors, all while portraying a dark, rugged moment from the low income side of New York in the early 1900s. The history, composition, and expertise of the original painting all play a big role in the painting’s ability to capture an audience and their emotion, along with relaying the message of perseverance and the necessity for realness and honesty within the world, good and
The use of distinctive elements and details within the painting illustrates the emotion and tone the artist is trying to get across to viewer, and to where they …show more content…
At the time of being painted, 1909, the modern city of New York was booming with change and innovation. Immigrants from all over were coming into the jam packed city, and the notable industrial movement was just beginning. In order to portray life in the low income areas at the time, Bellows illustrated the growing pastime of boxing, more specifically prize fighting. Though illegal at the time, prize fighting, a contest between boxers for a prize, or a sum of money, drew men into the Sharkey Athletic Club, looking to enjoy a fight while making bets on who would win and possibly making money at the same time. As seen in the painting, only men came to watch the fight, most likely after a day of work in some sort of factory, which was a typical job when the art was painted. The grimacing looks on the crowd’s faces shows the vulgarity of the time as the athletes indulge into actions of extreme violence, hence the blood strokes covering the boxers upper bodies. The way in which I personally engage with the artwork, known as Phenomenology, is that I see a group of men attempting to escape the gruesome, monotonous daily life of of early 1900’s and fill that void with a strike of violence and intensity. In the midst of a violent brawl the two fighters in the ring are tired and worn-out, yet they continue to persevere through the battle in order to make a sum of money to …show more content…
Reigning as a contender for his most famous painting, and one of his first boxing pieces, Stag Night At Sharkey’s, illustrates Bellow’s profound skill in using detailed, unique techniques and colors, all while portraying a dark, rugged moment from the low income side of New York in the early 1900s. The history, composition, and expertise of the original painting all play a big role in the painting’s ability to capture an audience and their emotion, along with relaying the message of perseverance and the necessity for realness and honesty within the world, good and