The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 25, 2024

In an Elevator

In an Elevator

1916
(American, 1882–1925)
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.)
Catalogue raisonné: Mason 32
Location: not on view

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.
  • Ashcan School Prints and the American City, 1900-1940. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (July 18-December 26, 2021).
  • {{cite web|title=In an Elevator|url=false|author=George Bellows|year=1916|access-date=25 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1936.606