Splinter Beach

Bellows, George, 1882-1925 · 1916

East River, New York. (Bellows) / From the time he arrived in New York, Bellows was fascinated by all aspects of urban life. He repeatedly drew and painted the physical features of the city, and was particularly enchanted with the rivers. In the case of the two dockside lithographs "Splinter Beach" and "River-Front" (M. 168), he related the swarms of "river rats" to their environment with detailed observations and a fine sense of humor. In keeping with the light-hearted mood evoked by the scene, the artist scraped his name into the black at the top of the charthouse on the passing tugboat. (Mason)