Artwork
Nymphs of the Stream
Nymphs of the Stream is an ink print by Arthur Bowen Davies. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Nymphs of the Stream is a 1920 lithograph with lithotint in black on wove paper by Arthur B. Davies, a pivotal figure in promoting modern art in the United States.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two nude women in a natural, flowing setting, evoking an ethereal, classical ambiance. One figure is seated, while the other stands with an arm raised, capturing a moment of serene interaction.
Technique & Style
Executed in bold lines with minimal shading, the work showcases Davies' expressive simplicity. The lithographic process imparts a textured depth, with the stone's roughness visible in the lines and shading, set against a plain white background that emphasizes the figures' forms.
History & Provenance
Created in 1920, during Davies' active promotion of modern art in the U.S. (c. 1910-1928), the work's specific provenance details are not provided here.
Context
Nymphs of the Stream reflects Davies' engagement with modernist themes, blending classical motifs with avant-garde techniques to create a unique early 20th-century aesthetic.
Legacy
As part of Davies' oeuvre, the work contributes to his legacy as a bridge between traditional European influences and the emerging modern art movement in America, though its individual impact is not specifically highlighted.
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.
