Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2011.

Emma at the Piano

Artist George Bellows (American, 1882-1925)

Date1914

MediumOil on panel

DimensionsOverall, Frame: 37 3/4 x 45 3/4 x 2 3/4 in. (95.9 x 116.2 x 7 cm)
28 3/4 x 37 in. (73 x 94 cm)

ClassificationsAmerican art

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., dedicated by the Museum Trustees in honor of Susan Leidy, Deputy Director of the Chrysler Museum of Art from 2011 to 2019

Object number71.617

Terms

Woman
Piano
Blue
Black
White
Red

Collections

American Art before 1945

On View

On view

DescriptionThis is an oil on panel painting. The background is very dark and the piano is nearly as dark, however Emma's face is highlighted as she turns away from the piano. A long satiny sleeve with a ruffle stretches across the keys, one finger still pressing down on a note. There is a small gold ring on her pinky. Her hair is drawn into a loose bun away from her pale face. The brightest color on the canvas is her sapphire blue shawl. On top of the piano, there is a blue vase with flowers.

Label TextGeorge Wesley Bellows American, 1882–1925 Emma at the Piano, 1914 Oil on panel Fiery auburn hair and an electric blue dress frame the luminous face of Emma, wife of the painter George Bellows. Though Bellows’ large and uneven brushstrokes give his works a rough, bold character, this sensitive portrait reveals the ability of his experimental technique to convey psychological depth. Emma’s right hand has pressed one of the piano keys, suggesting that a single musical note pierces this dark room, perhaps in tune with the haunting blue of her eyes. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.617