Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a charcoal drawing by Alex Katz. It dates from 1988 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1988, this untitled drawing by Alex Katz is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Executed with charcoal and pencil on perforated colored paper, the work measures a modest size and presents a single figure against a flat, muted backdrop. Its understated composition reflects Katz’s ongoing interest in portraiture and the interplay of line and surface.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a woman with long hair, her head turned slightly to the right as she looks straight ahead. Her expression is neutral, conveying a quiet presence rather than overt narrative. The simplicity of the pose and the lack of surrounding detail invite viewers to consider the figure’s inner state, suggesting contemplation without explicit storytelling.
Technique & Style
Katz employs charcoal and pencil to build soft, layered marks that give the portrait a subtle three‑dimensional quality. The perforated colored paper provides a textured ground, allowing faint lines and shapes to emerge behind the figure. The restrained line work and muted tonal range are characteristic of Katz’s drawing practice, emphasizing form over decorative detail.
History & Provenance
The drawing was produced in the late 1980s, a period when Katz was consolidating his reputation for large‑scale portraits and intimate drawings. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early 1990s, where it has remained on view as part of the institution’s representation of contemporary American art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alex Katz is an American figurative artist known for his paintings, sculptures, and prints.
