Who painted Figures of Earth?

Figures of Earth was painted by Arthur B. Davies in 1923.

Where can I see Figures of Earth?

Figures of Earth is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of Figures of Earth?

Museum-quality prints of Figures of Earth are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Figures of Earth

Arthur B. Davies , 1923

Figures of Earth is an ink print by Arthur B. Davies. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower right in graphite: Arthur B. Davies

About this work

Overview

Created in 1923, Figures of Earth is a lithographic print by American artist Arthur B. Davies. Executed in black ink with a subtle gray tint, the work measures the artist’s engagement with early‑twentieth‑century modernist currents and his role in advancing avant‑garde ideas within the United States.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents three intertwined nude forms against a stark, storm‑like backdrop. One figure stands while the other two kneel or lean, their bodies merged in a tangled, almost ritualistic pose. The title suggests a link between the human body and the elemental earth, evoking a primal relationship with nature.

Technique & Style

Davies employed a lithographic process that yields a grainy, stone‑carved surface, emphasizing texture over smooth shading. Bold, simplified lines define the figures, while the background remains rough and dark, reinforcing a sense of immediacy and rawness. The limited palette of black with gray highlights the work’s austere aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Arthur B. Davies, a prominent advocate for modern art in early twentieth‑century America, produced the print during a period of heightened experimentation. While specific ownership records are limited, the piece reflects Davies’s broader efforts to introduce avant‑garde techniques to a wider audience through printmaking.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Arthur B. Davies

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.