72.1.218
The Morning Dip
1900 – 1956 (Date created)
Ink
Etching
Prints
13.812 in W
x
9.437 in H
(Paper)
British
James H. Dowd was a painter and etcher who spent the early part of his life in Sheffield, England, and then moved to London in 1918, where he lived out his life. He had several exhibitions in London and did his best work while living in London. This print celebrates the vivaciousness of youth as a group of boys enjoys a dip in a lake. A mysterious couple looks on from the other side. Finely graded linework suggests a misty morning by the lightness of the distant shore. The boys seem gangling and awkward, yet completely at ease with each other. Dowd uses shading well on the right and center portions of the print, but he chose to leave the left side incomplete - it may be that the two figures there were added as an afterthought. Overall, the linework and shading are excellent, especially on the foremost figures. All the figures are defined by loose, sharp strokes that give an impression of movement, as though the group is seen caught in a moment of time and held. Dowd is also skillful in rendering expressions, and one can easily imagine the excitement of freedom that these youths feel.
In Collection
Probably acquired by the Frick Fine Arts Department between 1926 and 1972.
Please note that cataloging is ongoing and that some information may not be complete.