Arrangement, Emma in a room

Bellows, George, 1882-1925 · 1921

The artist's wife. (Bellows) / "Arrangement, Emma in a Room" is an elegant, formal portrait of the artist's wife. The setting is the Bellows home at 146 East Nineteenth Street, New York City. George Bellows met Emma Story of Upper Montclair, New jersey at the Chase School in 1905, and according to Charles Morgan "fell immediately and hopelessly in love." She was a Christian Scientist, attractive, spirited, and of strong character. Bellows was a struggling artist, unconventional, and of equally strong character. Emma's social life occupied most of her time, and caused Bellows to become jealous. His art consumed his life, perhaps more than pleased the active young woman. As Bellows began to receive recognition, Emma started to appreciate him more. He sold a few drawings, and was appointed morning life-class instructor at the Art Students' League at a salary of $1,000 a year. When, after five years of courtship, he asked her to marry him, she accepted, and they were married in 1910. At the time of the sitting, Emma was thirty-seven, and the mother of two daughters, Anne, ten, and Jean, six. (Mason)