America / 1909
Stag at Sharkey's
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Stag at Sharkey's as painting (America · 1909).
George Bellows was raised in Columbus, Ohio, and attended Ohio State University where he played baseball and basketball.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits George Bellows (American, 1882–1925).
The museum's collection notes: Bellows was no stranger to Sharkey’s Athletic Club, a raucous saloon with a backroom boxing ring, located near his studio. Founded by Tom “Sailor” Sharkey, an ex-fighter who had also served in the US Navy, the club attracted men seeking to watch or participate in matches. Because public boxing was illegal in New York at the time, a private event had to be arranged in order for a bout to take place. Participation was usually limited to members of a particular club, but whenever an outsider competed, he was given temporary membership and known as a “stag.” Although boxing had its share of detractors who considered it uncouth at best or barbaric
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtStag at Sharkey'sOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.