On the Cliffs (ca. 1898)

"On the Cliffs" by Arthur Bowen Davies is a remarkable painting that invites viewers into a serene yet mysterious landscape. Painted in approximately 1898, this work is emblematic of Davies' ability to blend naturalistic elements with a dreamlike, almost ethereal quality.The painting features a rugged cliffside scene where a series of nude figures are poised in various attitudes of movement and repose. These figures, which give a nod to classical antiquity, are depicted amidst a richly textured natural world. A towering evergreen tree anchors the composition on the right, its dark green needles contrasting starkly with the muted blues and greens of the background, suggesting depth and bringing a lush vibrancy to the scene.Below the cliff, the landscape opens into a distant valley, where a river meanders through the terrain, hinting at a vast world beyond the immediate surroundings of the figures. The soft, muted tones used to portray the distant hills and valleys create a sense of tranquility and timelessness.Davies' use of composition, with the powerful vertical of the tree juxtaposed against the horizontal lines of the distant landscape, creates a balanced and harmonious effect. This painting not only depicts a moment of mythical repose but also conveys the profound beauty and stillness of nature, inviting contemplation and introspection from its viewers.