Artwork

Woman with Red and Blue Scarf

Woman with Red and Blue Scarf, by Arthur Bowen Davies, pastel, 1921
Woman with Red and Blue Scarf, by Arthur Bowen Davies, pastel, 1921

Woman with Red and Blue Scarf is a pastel drawing by Arthur Bowen Davies. It dates from 1921 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Arthur B.

About this work

The painting is called Woman with Red and Blue Scarf.
It was made by Arthur B. Davies around 1920-1922.
The artist used pastel on gray laid paper, which is an interesting choice for a nude painting, as pastel is a delicate medium that can create soft, subtle colors.
You can learn more about the technique used in this painting by looking up pastel.

Overview

Arthur B. Davies' 'Woman with Red and Blue Scarf' is a drawing created circa 1920-1922 using pastel on gray laid paper. The work showcases the artist's experimental approach to medium and technique.

Technique & Style

Davies employed pastel, a delicate and versatile medium, to achieve soft, blended hues. The choice of gray laid paper as a base adds a subtle nuance to the overall effect, allowing the pastel colors to take precedence.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a female figure draped in a red and blue scarf, set against a muted background. The scarf's vibrant colors contrast with the soft, understated rendering of the figure, creating a sense of visual tension.

History & Provenance

As a key figure in promoting modern art in the United States, Davies was known for his avant-garde style. 'Woman with Red and Blue Scarf' exemplifies his innovative approach to art during the early 20th century.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Arthur Bowen Davies

Artist

Arthur Bowen 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.