Artwork
Nocturne
Nocturne is an ink print by Arthur Bowen Davies. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Arthur B.
About this work
Overview
Davies’ 1918 print *Nocturne* is executed as a soft‑ground etching rendered in black ink on a sheet of green‑toned wove paper.
Arthur B. Davies’ 1918 print *Nocturne* is executed as a soft‑ground etching rendered in black ink on a sheet of green‑toned wove paper. The work presents a nocturnal interior scene in which two figures occupy a dimly lit space, one holding a vase of flowers while the other reaches upward toward the object. The composition is rendered in a loose, gestural manner that emphasizes atmosphere over detail.
Subject & Meaning
The image suggests an intimate, perhaps ritualistic encounter between the standing figure and the reaching companion, underscored by the presence of a flower‑filled vase. The dark, indistinct background hints at a room whose boundaries dissolve into night, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of aspiration, connection, and the fleeting nature of moments captured in low light.
Technique & Style
Davies employed the soft‑ground etching process, in which a pliable ground is applied to the plate and then manipulated with tools or fingertips, producing lines that retain a tactile, almost hand‑drawn quality. The resulting marks are scratchy and textured, contrasting with the smooth, green‑hued paper—a rare choice that adds a subtle chromatic layer to the monochrome design.
History & Provenance
Created during the later phase of Davies’ career, *Nocturne* reflects his involvement with avant‑garde circles and his role in promoting modern art in the United States from 1910 to 1928. While specific ownership details are limited, the print remains part of the artist’s broader oeuvre that documented his experimental approach to printmaking during the post‑World War I period.
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.
