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
Copyright
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
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.
Print with grainy black ink of three people in a boxing ring outlined in thin, reverbrating lines. Left, a person with medium-dark skin tone stands, looking down and boxing gloved hand guiding down to a person with light skin tone holding up two fingers and bending over another light skinned figure seated, left arm supporting them, right arm draped over chest, head hanging down. A crowd clusters around the base of the ring.

The White Hope

1921

George Bellows

(American, 1882–1925)
America

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