Artwork Page for In an Elevator

Details / Information for In an Elevator

In an Elevator

1916

George Bellows

(American, 1882–1925)
Culture
America
Medium
lithograph
Measurements
Platemark: 25.3 x 20.3 cm (9 15/16 x 8 in.); Sheet: 32.8 x 26.9 cm (12 15/16 x 10 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Leonard C. Hanna Jr. 1936.606
Catalogue raisonné
Mason 32
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

The young African American man in this image is the elevator operator, responsible for manually operating the lift.

Description

Elevators, in 1916 as today, often inspire awkward social interactions. George Bellows himself described this print as a “study of the relation of a nun to society.” The Old World European values and modesty of the nun contrast to the younger, more boisterous passengers, who give wide berth to her dominating physical and moral presence.
A vertically oriented lithograph depicts several people with light skin in a crowded interior with heavy shading. In the center, an older woman with glasses wears a dark garment and head covering. To our left, a young girl looks up at her. On the right, several figures stand close together, including a young man in a light-colored uniform and cap. The figures blend into the dark, grainy background.

In an Elevator

1916

George Bellows

(American, 1882–1925)
America

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