Maenads
Arthur B. Davies, Maenads, 1918-1919, soft-ground etching with aquatint on light blue, medium, slightly textured laid paper, Gift of Mr. Frederick Newlin Price, public domain, 50.90
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Maenads
- Related Titles
alternate: Far Prospect
- Artist
- Date
1918-1919
- Medium
soft-ground etching with aquatint on light blue, medium, slightly textured laid paper
- Edition
edition of ca. 21
- State
vii/viii
- Catalogue Raisonné
7Czestochowski 69
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
plate: 7 15/16 in x 10 7/8 in; sheet: 10 5/16 in x 14 1/8 in
- Inscriptions & Markings
signature: Arthur B. Davies, graphite, lower right
title: Maenads, graphite, lower left margin
- Collection Area
Graphic Arts
- Category
Prints
- Object Type
intaglio print
- Culture
American
- Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Frederick Newlin Price
- Accession Number
50.90
- Copyright
public domain
- Terms
Rather than faithfully recount mythological tales, Arthur B. Davies often turned to Greek myth as a general source of inspiration for his prints of classical figures living in harmony with nature. In this print, for instance, the title refers to the wild followers of Dionysus, god of wine. Maenads—literally, “raving ones”—are typically shown whirling in a frenzy, intoxicated by wine and dance. Davies, instead, depicts a gentle woodland scene, evoking a pure, lyrical past.
- Exhibitions
2012 Mythologia: Gods, Heroes, and Monsters Portland Art Museum