Description

Although artist Stuart Davis' (1892-1964) visits to Cape Ann took place primarily during the early years of his career, the drawings he did here exploring the shapes and rhythms of the working waterfront, the upland moors and the densely populated neighborhoods of central Gloucester, served as artistic inspiration for the rest of his life. In fact, it is estimated that upwards of 70% of his paintings and caseins done between 1940 and 1963 were based on compositions created during the 1920s and 1930s – the years Davis visited Cape Ann regularly. With this exhibition of drawings done by Stuart Davis during these early years, the Cape Ann Museum explores the importance of place in the career of one of this country's most important 20th century artists. Stuart Davis (along with his family) first came to Cape Ann and to Gloucester during the summer of 1915 at the invitation of fellow artist John Sloan. Sloan had rented a cottage at the head of Rocky Neck and the modest red dwelling quickly began a gathering spot for artists and writers. A series of black and white photographs taken that first year capture a convivial group of men and women congregated on the porch of the cottage including Davis and Sloan, Agnes Richmond and her husband Winthrop Turney, Charles Allan Winter and Alice Beach Winter, Paul Cornoyer and Paul Tietjens. In coming years, Stuart Davis would return to Cape Ann on a regular basis often staying with his mother, sculptor Helen Davis who, along with her husband had purchased a house in East Gloucester across the street from artists Theresa Bernstein and William Meyerowitz. Later Helen Davis would work out of Reeds Wharf, remaining in Gloucester until her death in 1965. Davis took to Gloucester from the start. "[Gloucester]," he wrote, "was the place I had been looking for. It had the brilliant light of Provincetown, but with the important addition of topographical severity and the architectural beauties of the Gloucester schooner." In his