My Family, No. 2 1921

Curator: George Bellows’ "My Family, No. 2," a small etching and drypoint, offers a glimpse into domestic life. Editor: The somber tone strikes me first; there's an almost oppressive stillness in the composition. Curator: Bellows, known for his dynamic depictions of urban life, here presents a more intimate, yet somewhat unsettling scene. We see the artist’s family staged in what appears to be their parlor. Editor: The father looms over the scene, set apart from the others—a stark contrast to the mother and children who are physically connected on the ornate couch. Is he present, yet emotionally distant? Curator: That distance could reflect the prescribed gender roles of the time, where men were often observers of domestic life. Editor: True, and perhaps Bellows is subtly commenting on the performative nature of family portraits, the social constraints that bind them. Curator: Examining this work offers insight into the socio-political context of family during the early 20th century. Editor: Absolutely. And it reminds us of how art can reflect and challenge societal norms—even within the seemingly private sphere of family.