Davies, Arthur Bowen (1862-1928), was an American painter and illustrator. His idealized figures, often taken from literature or legend and represented in a lyrical style, reflect a highly intellectual and poetic personal vision. However, he was keenly aware of the changing artistic ideas of his time. Davies saw value in the more down-to-earth style of painter Robert Henri and his group. He joined Henri’s group, known as The Eight, or the Ashcan School (see Henri, Robert). Davies was instrumental in organizing the Armory show of 1913. Held in New York City, this exhibition is generally considered the artistic event that did most to awaken Americans to developments in modern art abroad. Davies was born in Utica, New York.
