Sweet Tremulous Leaves 1922 - 1923

Arthur Bowen Davies painted "Sweet Tremulous Leaves" using oil on canvas, a common medium that allowed for blending and layering. Davies wasn’t interested in perfect illusionism, as seen in the slightly chalky, dry surfaces and visible brushwork, which gives the figures a sculptural quality. He carefully constructed the composition using traditional painting techniques to build up layers of color and form. By observing the artist's material choices and techniques, we get insight into his artistic intentions. Davies was part of a generation of artists grappling with modernity, who looked back to classical themes. Though his artistic style can be seen as rather traditional, Davies advocated for modernism as one of the organizers of the 1913 Armory Show in New York City, which introduced American audiences to European avant-garde art. Paying close attention to the materials, making, and historical context helps us more fully appreciate the meaning of this artwork, and challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.