George Bellows' lithograph "W. E. Story, Esq., second state" is a portrait that demonstrates the artist's skillful handling of the medium to capture both physical likeness and psychological presence. Created during Bellows' prolific period of printmaking in the early twentieth century, the work showcases the bold, confident mark making characteristic of his lithographic practice. The second state designation indicates that Bellows made revisions to the stone between printings, refining details to enhance the formal composition and tonal qualities of the portrait.