Artwork Page for The White Hope

Details / Information for The White Hope

The White Hope

1921

George Bellows

(American, 1882–1925)
Culture
America
Medium
lithograph
Measurements
Image: 37.2 x 48 cm (14 5/8 x 18 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Leonard C. Hanna Jr. 1936.644
Catalogue raisonné
Mason 96
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

After Jack Johnson became the first African American world heavyweight champion in 1908, a series of boxing promoters searched for a “Great White Hope” who could dethrone him. Analyzing the facial features of the two fighters in this print, some scholars believe its subject commemorates Johnson’s victory over former champion James J. Jeffries in 1910. The outcome of this proclaimed “fight of the century” sparked racially motivated riots in more than 50 cities across 25 states, leaving 20 people dead. Whether or not The White Hope can be associated with a specific bout, Bellows’s image undercuts notions of white racial superiority with bitter irony.
A horizontally oriented print in grainy black ink depicts three people in a boxing ring outlined in thin, reverberating lines. Left, a person with medium-dark skin tone stands looking down, his boxing-gloved hand guiding down to two men with light skin tone. One holds up two fingers and bends over the other, seated. Left hand braced behind him, his right arm drapes over his chest, head hanging down. A crowd clusters around the base of the ring.

The White Hope

1921

George Bellows

(American, 1882–1925)
America

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork