Painting

By: Stuart Davis

Date: 1935

Source: Davis, Stuart. Composition. 1935. In the collection of the National Museum of American Art. Image number 45061.

About the Artist: Stuart Davis (1892–1964) was a forerunner of modern American art. Son of a Philadelphia Press art editor, Davis was introduced early to artistic concepts. He studied in New York with Robert Henri. As a student in 1913, Davis exhibited paintings in the controversial abstract art Armory Show, and went on from there to become one of America's most influential abstract artists. His career included jobs as an illustrator and cartoonist for the radical journal The Masses and for Harper's Weekly. By 1935, he was president of the Artists Union.

Introduction

Abstract art in the United States had its beginnings at the Armory Show in 1913. This international show was held...