Artwork
Every Saturday
Every Saturday is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Arthur Bowen Davies. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.
About this work
Overview
Every Saturday is an 1898 oil painting by Arthur Bowen Davies, characteristic of the post-impressionist style. The work depicts three figures in dark, long clothing walking together under an umbrella, set against a landscape of trees and a cloudy sky. The composition emphasizes the figures in the foreground, with the landscape receding behind them.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a moment of quiet contemplation. The three figures, absorbed in thought, walk together in unison, conveying a sense of shared introspection or solemnity. The umbrella, a practical element, subtly underscores the everyday nature of the scene.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, the work aligns with post-impressionist tendencies, though specific techniques (e.g., brushwork, color palette) are not detailed here. The style emphasizes the emotional and psychological depth of the scene over precise realism.
History & Provenance
Created in 1898, Every Saturday is now part of the Brooklyn Museum's collection. Davies, an American avant-garde artist, would later play a pivotal role in promoting modern art in the U.S. between 1910 and 1928.
Context
While Davies's later influence on modern art in the U.S. is well-documented, the specific context or inspiration for Every Saturday is not provided. The work reflects the post-impressionist movement's broader themes of capturing modern life and emotional interiors.
Legacy
The legacy of Every Saturday is intertwined with Davies's overall contribution to American modern art. As one of his earlier works, it precedes his more influential role in the 1910s and 1920s, yet its post-impressionist style contributes to the era's artistic landscape.
Artist & collection
Artist
Arthur Bowen Davies (September 26, 1862 – October 24, 1928) was an avant-garde American artist and influential advocate of modern art in the United States c. 1910–1928.
