Artwork

Stir of Shadowed Melodies

Stir of Shadowed Melodies, by Arthur B. Davies, ink, 1920
Stir of Shadowed Melodies, by Arthur B. Davies, ink, 1920

Stir of Shadowed Melodies is an ink print by Arthur B. Davies. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower right in graphite: Arthur B. Davies; lower right verso in graphite by unknown hand: Ivings Jr. / Gi 41.1

About this work

Overview

Stir of Shadowed Melodies is a 1920 lithograph by Arthur B. Davies, a prominent figure in early 20th-century American modernism. The work is executed in black lithotint on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a group of nude women in various poses, interacting and moving together. The figures are rendered in a loose, expressive style, with an emphasis on capturing their forms and relationships.

Technique & Style

Davies employed lithography with lithotint to achieve a range of tonal values and textures. The technique allowed for a spontaneous, expressive quality, evident in the visible lines and shading.

Context

The work reflects Davies' avant-garde approach and his interest in blending figurative and symbolic elements. His style is characterized by abstracted, dreamlike imagery and a muted palette.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Arthur B. Davies

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Stir of Shadowed Melodies?

Stir of Shadowed Melodies was painted by Arthur B. Davies in 1920.

Where can I see Stir of Shadowed Melodies?

Stir of Shadowed Melodies is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of Stir of Shadowed Melodies?

Museum-quality prints of Stir of Shadowed Melodies are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.