Artwork
Recurrence
Recurrence is an ink print by Arthur Bowen Davies. It dates from 1921 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1921, *Recurrence* is a black lithograph with lithotint on wove paper by American artist Arthur B. Davies. The print presents a compact composition of five intertwined nude figures rendered in fluid, swirling lines. The work exemplifies Davies’s involvement with the experimental printmaking practices that were gaining prominence among avant‑garde circles in the early twentieth century.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts five bodies in various poses—standing, crouching, and one arched with raised arms—interlaced in a dynamic, almost choreographic arrangement.
The image depicts five bodies in various poses—standing, crouching, and one arched with raised arms—interlaced in a dynamic, almost choreographic arrangement. The figures overlap without fully contacting one another, suggesting a moment of suspended motion. The ambiguous spatial relationships and the ghostly solidity of the forms invite contemplation of cycles, repetition, and the fleeting nature of human interaction.
Technique & Style
Davies employed lithotint to enrich the stark black lines, allowing subtle gradations of tone that give depth to the tangled silhouettes. The uneven, thick strokes create a dual impression of mass and translucence, while the smooth blending of shadows emphasizes the sense of movement. The overall aesthetic aligns with the modernist interest in abstraction of the figure and expressive line work.
History & Provenance
Arthur B. Davies, a pivotal promoter of modern art in the United States, produced *Recurrence* during a period when he was actively supporting contemporary artists and movements. The print was issued as part of his limited series of lithographs, reflecting his commitment to exploring new media. Its provenance traces back to Davies’s studio archives before entering public collections in the mid‑20th century.
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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.
