Toward the end of episode one of the dystopian series, Into the Badlands, there is a scene that contains artwork by American painter, George Bellows. The title of the painting is Club Night. The only title I could pull out of my head while I was watching was Stag at Starkey’s, but I knew that wasn’t right. That’s a different, but similar, painting. I love it when films and series use great artwork.
American painter, George Bellows, 1882-1925, was a prominent member of the Ashcan School of painting. He captured the urban life of New York City at the turn of the 20th Century. Between 1907 and 1909, he executed a series of paintings depicting boxing matches. They are quite famous and have always drawn me in. Beyond capturing a boxing match at a private club when boxing was prohibited in NYC, they contain a strong narrative, social commentary and allegory.
Club Night, 1907, is part of the National Gallery’s collection, so I am sure that I have viewed it in person, probably more than once. I lived in Metro D.C. for almost four years. When I return, I almost always make a point to visit. However, somehow, I lost track of Into the Badlands after it hit Netflix. I actually started watching episode one at some point, but didn’t get past the opening credits. Tonight, I finished it. I’m glad there are three seasons. We shall see if the series lives up to Club Night, and if there are any other cameos of famous paintings. I hope the trend continues. Directors should know that this is always a good way to hook an art history buff.
George Bellows, Club Night, 1907,