Archives Scrapbooks

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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbooks, May 1947-February 1950

ARCH.2003.30, Rendition: 802705

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This image displays a printed page — likely from a magazine or journal dated March, page 100 — that features an article discussing early 20th-century modernist attitudes toward art and science, with specific references to figures such as Alfred Stieglitz, John Marin, Jay Hambidge, Maxwell Armfield, and Derman Ross.

Prominently featured at the top of the page is a black-and-white reproduction of the painting “Crescendo” by Arthur B. Davies (1910), oil, 18 x 40”, Whitney Museum. The artwork shows a line of nude female figures in graceful, flowing poses, appearing to dance or move rhythmically across a landscape with stylized, undulating hills and a dark sky. The figures are arranged diagonally from left to right, creating a sense of motion and crescendo, which matches the title. A caption to the left of the image provides the painting’s title, artist, medium, dimensions, and current collection.

The article text below the image critiques the “moderns” — early modernist artists and theorists — for their rejection of established artistic traditions in favor of intuitive, individualistic approaches. It contrasts this with theorists like Hambidge, Ross, and Maratta, who sought to ground art in scientific, universal, and especially Greek-based principles — notably dynamic symmetry and the golden ratio — viewing these as timeless, natural laws. The article suggests this search for “eternal principles” was sometimes naive or even magical, and questions whether these pseudo-scientific theories were ultimately more aligned with mysticism than genuine science. A key point is the tension between individual expression and a desire for universal, rule-based systems in art.

Handwritten markings are visible on the page: a checkmark or “J” shape at the upper right of the image, and a similar curved mark near the bottom right corner of the page. Another, partially visible printed page lies slightly underneath the main one, with its edge visible in the upper right.

Overall, the image is a page from a historical art critique documenting the ideological debates of early modernism, using Davies’s “Crescendo” as a visual reference point.

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The image you've shared appears to be a page from a book or article discussing art and science, with a focus on critiques of artistic movements and theories related to design and symmetry. The page has a photograph at the top that is the central image, which depicts a painting titled "Crescendo" by Arthur B. Davies. This painting shows a group of nude figures in various dynamic poses, set against a backdrop of mountains.

The text below the image elaborates on the attitudes of artists and thinkers towards scientific and mathematical principles in art, critiquing the search for "eternal principles" and the attempts to apply rigid rules to artistic creation. The author discusses the works and theories of figures like Alfred Stieglitz, Jay Hambidge, and others, who were involved in movements such as modern art and the search for scientific foundations in design.

The text on the page is dense with critical analysis and philosophical musings on art, science, and the search for universal principles within artistic practice. The overall tone of the text is analytical and somewhat skeptical of the attempts to impose strict, scientific principles on art.

At the bottom of the page, there is a date marker indicating "March," and the bottom left corner displays the page number "100." The top portion of the page seems to have another text snippet or a title that is partially cut off, which might be related to the discussion on art and the Whitney Museum.

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This image is a scanned page from an article or book, likely from a publication discussing art and its relationship to science and modernism. The page is numbered 100 and is dated March. The text discusses the attitudes of modern artists towards science and the search for universal principles in art.

At the top of the page, there is a black-and-white illustration of a painting titled "Crescendo" by Arthur B. Davies, created in 1910. The painting is described as being an oil on canvas, measuring 18 x 40 inches, and is housed at the Whitney Museum. The painting depicts a group of nude figures in various dynamic poses, set against a dark, mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky. The figures appear to be engaged in a dance or some form of expressive movement, with their arms outstretched and bodies in motion.

The text on the page delves into the philosophical and theoretical discussions of the time, referencing various artists and theorists such as Alfred Stieglitz, John Marin, Jay Hambidge, and Denman Ross. It explores the tension between the modernist emphasis on individual expression and intuition versus the desire for scientific and universal principles in art. The passage also mentions the concept of dynamic symmetry and its proponents, who believed in the existence of immutable laws in art that could be applied universally. The text critiques the notion that such laws could be derived from ancient practices and applied to contemporary art, likening it to a search for a magical formula or panacea.

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The image depicts a page from a book or magazine featuring an article about the elements of dynamic symmetry. The article is written by Arthur B. Davies and was published in 1910. The page includes a photograph by Arthur B. Davies, which is a black-and-white image of four nude figures in a dynamic pose, suggesting movement and symmetry. The text is printed in a serif font and is accompanied by a photograph of the author, Arthur B. Davies, in the upper left corner. The article discusses the concept of dynamic symmetry and its application in art and design. The photograph and the text suggest that the article is about the exploration of symmetry and movement in art.

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The image appears to be a page from a book or magazine, featuring a black and white photograph of three nude women in a dynamic pose. The image has a vintage or historical feel to it. The text on the page discusses the work of various artists and thinkers, including Arthur B. Davies, Jay Hambidge, and Maxwell Armfield, who explored the concept of dynamic symmetry in art. It also mentions the ideas of John Marin, who warned against the dangers of modern art and the loss of traditional artistic standards. The text critiques the modernist attitude of prioritizing the individual and intuition over scientific and universal principles, and how this led some artists to seek secret knowledge and magical rules. The image and text together seem to explore the tension between modern and traditional approaches to art and design.

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The image shows a page from a book or document, featuring a combination of text and an illustration. Here is a detailed description:

Text Content:

  • The page is numbered 100 at the bottom left corner.
  • The text appears to be from an academic or historical discussion, likely analyzing art movements, modernist thought, and the relationship between science and art.
  • The text is dense and formatted in a traditional, serif font, typical of scholarly publications.
  • Key phrases and names mentioned include:
    • Alfred Stieglitz: Referenced as an artist who viewed science as anti-art.
    • John Marin: Mentioned in a letter from 1913, discussing the object of art being hard for the many.
    • Ross and Maratta: Referenced in the context of science being a safeguard against hazard and vagaries of judgment.
    • Maxwell Armfield: Discussed in relation to dynamic symmetry and design.
    • Denman Ross: Mentioned as motivated by the idea of creating a scientific method for art.
  • The text explores themes such as:
    • The tension between science and art.
    • The rise of pseudo-scientific methods in modern art.
    • The idea of immutable laws in art and design.
    • The search for universal principles in art, drawing parallels to mathematics and science.
    • The influence of ancient and medieval thought on modern artistic theories.

Illustration:

  • The illustration is located at the top left of the page, above the text.
  • It depicts four nude female figures in a dynamic, flowing pose.
    • The figures appear to be engaged in a dance or expressive movement.
    • They are rendered in a stylized, somewhat abstract manner, with elongated limbs and a sense of motion.
    • The style suggests an early 20th-century artistic movement, possibly influenced by modernism or expressionism.
  • The illustration is labeled with the following text in the top left corner:
    • "ORISENZO by Arthur B. Davies, 1910, oil, 18 x 40", Whitney Museum"
    • This indicates that the artwork is titled "Orisenzo" and was created by Arthur B. Davies in 1910. It is an oil painting measuring 18 x 40 inches and is part of the Whitney Museum collection.

Overall Layout:

  • The page combines scholarly text with a visual artwork, suggesting a publication that integrates critical analysis with artistic examples.
  • The layout is clean and structured, with the illustration placed prominently to draw attention before the dense text.
  • The page also includes a faint, overlapping image of another page in the background, indicating that this might be a scanned or photographed page from a physical book.

Contextual Clues:

  • The content and style suggest this is from an art history or critical theory book, possibly discussing modernist art movements, the intersection of science and art, and the influence of early 20th-century artists like Arthur B. Davies.
  • The mention of the Whitney Museum and the detailed citation of the artwork ("Orisenzo") implies that this page is part of a catalog, exhibition guide, or academic text analyzing Davies' work within a broader artistic and intellectual context.

In summary, the image depicts a page from an academic or art-historical text that combines a scholarly discussion of modernist art and science with a visual representation of Arthur B. Davies' painting "Orisenzo." The layout and content suggest a focus on the interplay between artistic expression and intellectual inquiry.

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The image presents a page from an old magazine, featuring a black-and-white photograph of five nude figures dancing in front of a mountain range. The photograph is accompanied by a lengthy article discussing the art of dynamic symmetry, which is explained as a method of creating balance and harmony in art through the use of geometric shapes and proportions.

Key Features:

  • Photograph: A black-and-white image of five nude figures dancing in front of a mountain range.
  • Article: A lengthy article discussing the art of dynamic symmetry, its principles, and its applications in various art forms.
  • Text: The article is written in a formal tone, using technical terms and jargon specific to the field of art and design.
  • Background: The page has a light gray background, with a subtle texture that suggests it may be a scanned or photocopied image.

Overall Impression:

The image appears to be a page from an old magazine or journal, possibly from the early 20th century. The article and photograph suggest that the magazine was focused on art and design, and the use of technical language and jargon implies that it was intended for an audience with some knowledge of these subjects. The image is well-preserved, with clear text and a high-quality photograph, suggesting that it may have been scanned or digitized recently.

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The image depicts a page from an old magazine or book, featuring a black-and-white photograph of six nude women in various poses against a mountainous backdrop. The women are arranged in a line, with their arms outstretched and their bodies facing different directions. The photograph is accompanied by a lengthy article discussing the concept of "Crescendo" and its relationship to art and science.

The article explores the idea that art and science are interconnected, and that the pursuit of beauty and truth is a fundamental aspect of human nature. It also touches on the concept of "dynamic symmetry," which is described as a way of achieving balance and harmony in art and design.

The page itself appears to be from an older publication, with yellowed paper and a classic font. The overall aesthetic is one of elegance and sophistication, suggesting that the magazine or book was intended for a refined and cultured audience.

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The image depicts a page from a book or magazine featuring a black-and-white photograph of a painting, accompanied by text.

  • The page is white and has a rectangular shape with a slight tear at the top right corner.
    • The page is placed on a gray background, which appears to be a table or other flat surface.
    • The page is slightly angled, with the top-right corner pointing towards the upper right side of the image.
  • The photograph is positioned at the top of the page and takes up approximately one-third of the space.
    • The photograph is in black and white and features a painting of six nude women in various poses.
    • The women are standing in front of a mountainous landscape, with some of them appearing to be dancing or moving.
    • The painting is titled "Crescendo" and was created by Arthur B. Davies in 1910.
    • The painting is an oil on canvas work, measuring 18 x 40 inches.
    • The painting is currently housed at the Whitney Museum.
  • The text below the photograph is divided into two columns and occupies the remaining two-thirds of the page.
    • The text is written in a formal font and discusses the relationship between art and science.
    • The text mentions several artists and writers, including John Marin, Jay Hambidge, and Denman Ross.
    • The text also references various art movements and styles, such as modern art and dynamic symmetry.
    • The page number "100" is visible at the bottom left of the page, indicating that this is page 100 of the book or magazine.
    • The date "March" is printed at the bottom right of the page, suggesting that the publication is a monthly or quarterly issue.

In summary, the image shows a page from a book or magazine that features a black-and-white photograph of a painting by Arthur B. Davies, along with accompanying text that discusses the intersection of art and science. The page is placed on a gray background and has a slight tear at the top right corner.

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The image presents a black-and-white photograph of an open book, with the page on the right featuring a prominent illustration and accompanying text. The illustration depicts a group of nude figures in various poses, set against a mountainous backdrop. The text below the image provides information about the artwork, including its title, "Crescendo," created by Arthur B. Davies in 1910, and its current location at the Whitney Museum.

Key Features:

  • Illustration:
    • Title: "Crescendo"
    • Artist: Arthur B. Davies
    • Year: 1910
    • Medium: Oil
    • Size: 18 x 40 inches
    • Location: Whitney Museum
    • Description: A group of nude figures in various poses, set against a mountainous backdrop
  • Text:
    • Discusses the relationship between art and science
    • Explores the idea that some artists believed that if one knew the rules that went into the making of a Greek temple or a Renaissance fresco, one could produce comparable works today
    • Mentions the concept of dynamic symmetry and its application in art
  • Book Details:
    • Page number: 100
    • Date: March (no year specified)
    • Background: Gray surface with a slight shadow effect

Summary:

The image showcases a page from a book featuring an illustration and text that discuss the intersection of art and science. The illustration, "Crescendo," is a notable work by Arthur B. Davies, and the accompanying text delves into the ideas of dynamic symmetry and the relationship between art and science. The book appears to be an art or art history publication, given the content and style of the text.