Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Agenore Fabbri. It dates from 1950 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1950, this lithograph by Italian artist Agenore Fabbri—known for his work across expressionist and informalist currents—depicts a pair of cats in a lively encounter. The print belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is displayed as part of the mid‑twentieth‑century graphic works.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows a larger cat seemingly leaping toward a smaller companion, both rendered in stark black and white. The juxtaposition of size and motion suggests a playful tension, inviting viewers to consider themes of pursuit, agility, and the spontaneous energy often found in animal studies.
Technique & Style
Executed as a lithograph, the image relies on bold, gestural lines that convey movement and immediacy. The stark contrast between the dark feline forms and a muted blue‑green background heightens the visual rhythm, while the expressive brush‑like strokes align the work with Fabbri’s informalist sensibilities.
History & Provenance
The print entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings after its acquisition in the early 2000s, adding to the institution’s representation of post‑war European printmaking. Its presence in the museum underscores Fabbri’s broader recognition beyond his sculptural practice.
Context
During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Fabbri explored graphic media alongside painting and sculpture, reflecting a period of artistic experimentation in Italy. This work exemplifies his interest in translating the vigor of expressionist painting into the more restrained medium of lithography.
Artist & collection
Artist
Agenore Fabbri (20 May 1911 – 7 November 1998) was an Italian sculptor and painter. He moved between a rigorous expressionism and experimental informalism.
