Warren B. Davis Signed Drypoint Etching c.1910 — Dancing Nude Figures — American Symbolist Art

This dynamic drypoint by Warren B. Davis depicts a group of nude female figures in rhythmic motion, their bodies interlaced through sweeping, expressive gestures. Executed with confident, fluid line work and soft tonal transitions, the composition reflects Davis’s mastery of the drypoint technique, where the delicate burr produces a velvety richness impossible to replicate in later reproductions.

The subject matter—dancing or floating figures suspended in space—aligns Davis with early 20th-century Symbolist and Art Nouveau aesthetics, emphasizing movement, harmony, and the idealized human form. Unlike his single-figure studies, this multi-figure composition is more ambitious and narrative in scope, making it especially desirable to collectors.

Signed impressions of Davis’s figurative drypoints are scarce on the market, and group compositions such as this are notably rarer than his individual figure studies.

• Is it hand-signed? Yes, this piece features Warren Davis’s original pencil signature, confirming its authenticity and collector status.
• What is a Sylph? In mythology, a Sylph is an invisible spirit of the air—a theme Davis returned to frequently to explore movement and light.
• What is the condition? Very good authentic etching/drypoint. Strong, confident impression. Good retention of drypoint burr, especially in the central figures. Rich tonal modeling and depth. Even, attractive age toning. Light foxing visible but not distracting. No tears, losses, or stains in the image area. Full plate mark clearly visible. Old mat present but not severely damaged. Pencil-signed “Warren Davis” at lower right.” The overall measurement is 13 in. height and 14 in. width overall, with the image itself being 10 in." x 8 in. "

The Collector's Feel: Displaying "Flight of Sylphs" brings a sense of sophisticated, vintage movement to a room. Many collectors find that the soft, velvety texture of Davis's drypoint creates a dreamlike atmosphere that serves as a stunning focal point in a refined gallery collection.