American Painter

Stuart Davis was born in Philadelphia. His first artistic contacts were with the Ashcan School, and from 1909-12 he studied with the Group's leader, Robert Henri. He exhibited at the Armoury Show, and was impressed by the European artists whose works were shown there. He was influenced by Cubism, but later moved from flat, low-toned townscapes (many of Paris) to simple loud-coloured patterns in which letters and works are major elements. Paintings of commercial artefacts and packages - Lucky Strike, 1931, Odol, 1934 - are more than prototypes for Pop Art; they are Pop avant la lettre, though he resented the ascription, which he saw as an over-simplification of his oeuvre.

He is represented in New York (M of MA, Whitney).

Stuart Davis signed items and ltd edn prints @ ebay.com (direct link to signed items)