Video: The paintings of George Bellows

Although best known for his paintings of gritty urban life in early 20th-century New York, George Bellows painted a range of subjects throughout his career, which was cut short by his death at the age of 42.

In these videos, the co-curators of the Royal Academy exhibition George Bellows (1882-1925): Modern American Life introduce four very different works by the artist, with subjects ranging from the violence of the boxing ring to a family portrait.

_{George Bellows, 'Stag at Sharkey's', 1909. Oil on canvas, 92 x 122.6 cm. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Hinman B. Hurlbut Collection.}

_{George Bellows, 'New York', 1911. Oil on canvas. 106.7 x 152.4 cm. National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon.}

_{George Bellows, 'Summer Night, Riverside Drive', 1909. Oil on canvas. 90.2 x 120.7 cm. Columbus Museum of Art, Bequest of Frederick W. Schumacher.}

_{George Bellows, 'Emma and Her Children', 1923. 150.5 x 166.1 cm. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Gift of Subscribers and by purchase from the John Lowell Gardner Fund.}

• George Bellows (1882-1925): Modern American Life is in The Sackler Wing of Galleries until 9 June 2013

• Royal Academy of Arts