Retrospection
Arthur B. Davies (1862-1928), Retrospection, drypoint on zinc, 1916-17, with the estate stamp lower right. Reference: Czestochowski 40, first state (of 2). Total printing unknown but small. In good condition, with margins (a soft fold upper left margin away from image, paper very thin along the left platemark where the plate was unburnished). 4 7/8 x 3 3/8, the sheet 8 ½ x 6 ¼ inches.
A fine, delicately printed impression, printed on thin cream wove paper with plate tone, the central area of the figures wiped selectively so that this area is brighter and whiter, with substantial burr from the drypoint work.
This is one among the small number of cubist oriented prints Davies created after the Armory Show. Here Davies portrays a group of nudes – a long term subject – in modernist terms reminiscent of Duchamp’s Nude Descending a Staircase (the famous painting shown at the Armory Show).