Full-Orbed Moon Arthur Bowen Davies (1862-1928)

The composition presents a nocturnal scene dominated by a large, intensely red orb positioned centrally in the upper portion of the canvas. This celestial body commands immediate attention and casts a pervasive, unnatural glow across the landscape. The color is striking; it deviates significantly from the expected lunar hue, suggesting symbolic weight rather than literal representation.
Foregrounded within this setting stands a solitary female figure, rendered in an ochre-yellow palette that contrasts sharply with the surrounding darkness. Her arms are raised towards the moon, her posture conveying a sense of yearning or supplication. The artist has simplified her form, reducing it to essential lines and planes, which contributes to a feeling of universality rather than individual portraiture. She appears isolated, standing in what seems to be a shallow pool of water, further emphasizing her separation from the surrounding environment.
To the left of the central figure, partially obscured by shadow, stands another person dressed in muted tones. This individual’s face is not clearly visible, but their posture suggests observation or perhaps apprehension regarding the scene unfolding before them. The presence of this secondary figure introduces a narrative element – a witness to the womans gesture and the moons unsettling light.
The background consists of indistinct foliage and dark shapes that suggest trees and hills, all rendered in muted blues and greens. These elements are not sharply defined; they blend into the overall darkness, creating an atmosphere of mystery and ambiguity. The landscape appears flattened, lacking depth, which contributes to a dreamlike quality.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of isolation, longing, and perhaps even spiritual connection. The unusual color of the moon could symbolize intense emotion or a distorted perception of reality. The woman’s gesture might represent an attempt to reach beyond the mundane, seeking solace or understanding from a powerful, albeit enigmatic, force. The presence of the observer introduces questions about perspective and the nature of witnessing. Overall, the work evokes a sense of psychological depth and invites contemplation on the human condition within a vast and indifferent universe.