A knock-out, first state

Bellows, George, 1882-1925 · 1921

The idea for this lithograph was based on a much valued drawing done many years before. Very few prints of this stone were made. (Bellows) / The four related lithographs that center on the vulnerable fighter at the base of a compositional pyramid present the same hypothetical problem. This print is the only horizontal treatment. "The Last Count" (M. 93) and the two stones of "Counted Out" (M. 94, 95) are vertical compositions. The aggressive victor is in combat with the referee in a pose structured with great similarity to "A Stag at Sharkey's" (M. 46). The downed fighter is temporarily ignored. (Mason)