Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Wase," a striking portrait by George Bellows, encapsulates the early 20th-century American social milieu with an edge of realism and modernist sensibility. The couple is portrayed with a vivid sense of character and presence, captured in full-length view. Bellows' confident brushwork and adept use of color bring a certain vitality to his subjects.

Mr. Phillip Wase stands to the left, dressed in a formal dark suit with a crisp white shirt and black tie, embodying a sense of dignity and formality. His posture is straight and his expression is one of solemnity, indicative of his serious and perhaps reserved nature. Mrs. Phillip Wase, on the other hand, offers a contrast in both color and demeanor, wearing a more lively dress possibly reflecting subtle patterns or textures that add a touch of domestic warmth. Her posture is slightly more relaxed, and her expression, softened by Bellows' delicate handling of facial features, implies warmth and approachability.

The background of the painting is relatively subdued, ensuring that the focus remains squarely on the couple. A muted palette in the background allows the meticulous detailing of the couple's attire and expressions to stand out more prominently. The interplay of light and shadow is masterfully handled, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the figures.

Original Context and Location:
The painting "Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Wase" is part of the collection at The New York Studio School, a testament to Bellows' strong connection to the New York art scene where he spent much of his career.

Artist and Artistic Movements:
George Bellows (1882–1925) was a prominent American realist painter known for his dynamic scenes of urban life and his membership in the Ashcan School, a group of artists focused on depicting the gritty reality of everyday life. Bellows was part of the generation that bridged the gap between American Impressionism and early modernism.

"Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Wase" is a key example of how Bellows' portrait work evolved during his career. While he is often celebrated for his energetic renderings of New York City life and his powerful boxing scenes, his portraits reveal a different facet of his talent – one that blends acute psychological insight with precise technical skill.

Noteworthy Details:
- Psychological Depth: The portrait reveals Bellows' keen ability to capture the psychological essence of his subjects. The juxtaposition of Mr. and Mrs. Wase's starkly different expressions and postures hints at the dynamics of their relationship and their individual personalities.

- Technique and Style: Bellows' confident brushwork and controlled palette reflect his modernist leanings. The subtle variation in textures – the crispness of Mr. Wase's suit versus the softer lines of Mrs. Wase's attire – showcases Bellows' versatility and attention to detail.

- Social Commentary: Although this work may not provide a direct socio-political commentary like some of Bellows' urban scenes, it still offers valuable insight into the social strata of early 20th-century America, portraying a couple of apparent social standing and highlighting the nuanced interactions between public representation and personal depth.

In conclusion, "Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Wase" stands as a meaningful work within George Bellows' oeuvre, illustrating his ability to convey depth of character and emotion with a modernist sensibility, while also providing a lens into the American society of his time.