Pompeian Veil 1920

Arthur Bowen Davies made this etching, Pompeian Veil. It’s soft, quiet and introspective – it's almost like the picture is thinking to itself. The figure emerges from a ground of light, scratchy marks. Davies isn't trying to hide the process; you can see every little line that went into building up the image. The texture is interesting. It's not just smooth; there are these tiny, almost nervous lines all over, creating depth. Look closely at the shoulder; the way it’s modeled with delicate scratches gives it a real sense of form. And the face, with its simple, shadowed lines, conveys a sense of thoughtful melancholy. Davies reminds me a little of Odilon Redon, who also played with ethereal figures and dreamlike imagery. But while Redon could be quite dark, Davies maintains a lighter, more optimistic touch. Ultimately, it’s a piece that invites you to linger and find your own meaning within its subtle beauty.