Evening star., 1943-03-07
By Florence S. Berryman.

ulC 1ndJCSG1C ScICIllty Ol AUClonC
Greece. Davies figures, mostly nude
and somewhat elongated in proper
tions, flicker like flames against the
dark backgrounds.
Duncan Phillips called Davies "a
designer Of dreams" In his essay in
the admirable monograph on this
artist published by the Phillips Me-
mortal Gallery in 1924. This is a
happy description of Davies. He was
an outstanding designer-one can
easily see the unity of forms and
color In his paintings. The natural
elements, mountains, rivers, skies,
are so closely connected with the
figures as to remind one of musical
compositions, in which the figures
are the notes of the melody and the
background Is the accompaniment
There is definite rhythmic move
ment suggested in such works as
Portal of the Night" and PAS
toral."
Davies, as acting president of the
American Painters and Sculptors'
Association, played leading role in
organizing the celebrated "Armory
Show" of 1918, which introduced the
Post-1mpressionists and other mod
ern experimenters to the United
States. But none of Davies own
paintings in the Arts Club group
reveals any trace Of esthetic radi-
calism. They do not even look con-
temporary in the sense of having
fresh, high-keyed or bright color.
Davies skies have the look Of twi-
light: his illumination reminds one
OF sunset, and the mountains and
trees are as dark as they would be
ut night. They are beautiful, haunt
ing and vague, stirring the beholder
to half forgotten memories, or sug-
costing youthful aspirations.
Brash DrasUings
OF animals.
William H. Calfee's animals en-
Hven the reception room at the Arts
Club. There are nearly 20 of them,
done in ink and wash, comprising
menagerie ranging from white mice
to girades, and from doves to a
hawk. These drawings are all re-
cent works and reveal q noticeably
broader handling than in his one
man show Of familiar subjects at
the central Public Library two years
ago.
Mr.. Calfee's experience as
sculptor has given him a knowledge
Of anatomy which stands him in
good stead In these drawings. They
have been rapidly executed from
living animals. but they have the
accuracy Of assurance. There is
the very essence Of an orangutan
for instance, in. his drawing of the
awkward. numbering body yelled in
long silky red hair. Pompous pen
gums, sleeping bear. an alert tiger
cat and many others, including an
owl which has been reduced almost
to abstract expression, will delight
the visitor.
Plans Made for
National Print Shoe.
Washington print makers have
only one week left in which to re-
turn entry cards for the national
exhibition Of prints to be opened at
the Library Of Congress in May.
This heartening opportunity for art
lists Is made possible by the Penneu
Fund, established by Joseph Pen
nell to build up great national COL
lection Of prints.
Between 400 and 500 prints will
probably be exhibited in the GAL
leries of the Library of Congress,
and IS purchase prizes may be
awarded. Original prints in any
technique in black and white or
color, which have been issued since
March l, 1912. are eligible. Color
prints must have been printed in
color. not tinted after printing.
Each artist may submit three prints,
but not more than two will be ac-
cepted.
The jury of admission will be
composed Of representatives OF the
Corcoran, National and Phillips
Memorial Galleries, and National
Collection Of Fine Arts. Purchase
prizes will be awarded by the Stand
ing Committee for the purchase of
prints on the Pennell Fund-John
Taylor Arms. etcher; Stow Wengen-
roth, photographer. and DR.. Leicester
Holland, chief of the Division of
Fine Arts, Library of Congress. The
award Of prize to print exhibited,
constitutes its purchase by the
Library: hence. any print submitted
must be eligible for any prize. In
view of the substantial amounts of
the prizes announced. no printmaker
can quarrel with this condition
There may be five prizes of $1O0
each. ten of $50. and twenty of $50.
Details as to mating, cataloguing,
return of works accepted and re-
jected, sales. liability and other con-
ditions can be secured by obtaining
from the Division of Fine Arts, Lii
brary OF Congress, folder which
also includes entry and inclosure
cards. Entry cards must be mailed
to the division by March Is.
Tack Decorations
- At Phillips Gallery.
Augustus Vincent Tack's abstract
decorations now on view at the Phil.
lips Memorial Gallery, constitute
one OF the developments in modern
painting which must surely be
agreeable to every one. Several Of
them have long been in the gallery:
collection; but 1t is interesting fol
Washington to see together nearly