Not currently on view
In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of August 2026
FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG
By 1916, the year Bellows created Preliminaries, boxing was legal in New York and had begun attracting audiences beyond its usual working-class, male demographic. Relegating the ensuing match to the background, this print focuses on a group of wealthy spectators who arrive to take their seats in Madison Square Garden. According to the artist’s widow, the subject was occasioned by the first bout in New York to which women were permitted to attend.
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746–1828) — The Bulls of Bordea
Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746–1828) — Bullfights: A Moor
Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746–1828) — Bullfights: The Fa
George Bellows — Club Night
Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746–1828) — Bullfights: Two Te
Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746–1828) — Bullfights: A Hors
Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746–1828) — Bullfights: The Fo
Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746–1828) — Bullfights: The Ve
Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746–1828) — Bullfights: The Sa
Goya (Francisco de Goya y Lucientes) — Plate 8 from "La Taur
George Bellows — Both Members of This Club
Goya (Francisco de Goya y Lucientes) — Plate 29 of "La Taur