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Identification of Dew Drops by Arthur Bowen Davies

We are looking at Dew Drops, an oil on canvas by Arthur Bowen Davies. This particular work is held within the collection of The Phillips Collection. It is a quiet piece, measuring approximately 15 by 13 inches, which invites a closer, more intimate inspection of its surface.

Arthur Bowen Davies was born in Utica, United States. His life spanned from 1862 to 1928, a period during which he developed a highly personal approach to painting. He moved through various stages of study, including time at the Chicago Academy of Design and the Art Students League in New York City, before establishing himself as a significant figure in American modernism.

In this work, Davies utilizes his characteristic delicate brushwork to create a sense of atmosphere. The painting reflects the artist's interest in the more ethereal and symbolic aspects of the visual world, moving away from strict representation toward a more subjective expression of mood.

Visual Composition and Subject Matter

The composition centers on two naked women standing within a lush expanse of grass. They appear to be sharing a quiet moment of companionship, their presence integrated into the natural landscape. Around them, the scene is populated by several goats scattered throughout the meadow, some positioned close to the figures while others linger in the distance. This arrangement creates a sense of stillness and unhurried movement across the canvas.

Near one of the women, a dog lies resting on the ground, its posture suggesting a state of repose. Further back, a cat can be observed in the background, adding a subtle layer of life to the periphery of the scene. These various animals coexist harmoniously with the women, contributing to an atmosphere of peace. The interaction between the human figures and the creatures suggests a world where the boundaries between nature and the observer are softened.