Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Alex Katz. It dates from 1973 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1973, this pencil drawing by Alex Katz is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The work presents a frontal portrait of a woman, rendered with minimal line work that captures the essential contours of her face and shoulders. The composition is unadorned, focusing attention on the subtle expression and the economy of the drawing’s execution.
Subject & Meaning
The figure depicted is a woman with long, straight hair that frames a calm forehead. Her eyes are open and tranquil, while her mouth rests in a neutral, relaxed position, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation rather than overt emotion. The simplicity of the pose invites viewers to consider the ordinary presence of the subject without narrative embellishment.
Technique & Style
Katz employs a sparse, sketch-like approach, using only a handful of light pencil strokes to suggest form and illumination. The drawing lacks heavy shading or cross‑hatching; instead, the artist relies on the placement of lines to convey volume and the subtle play of light across the face. The paper remains plain, reinforcing the work’s immediacy and study-like quality.
History & Provenance
The piece was executed in the early 1970s, a period when Katz was exploring drawing alongside his well‑known paintings. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation, becoming part of the institution’s representation of American contemporary drawing. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in documenting the breadth of Katz’s practice beyond his large‑scale canvases.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alex Katz is an American figurative artist known for his paintings, sculptures, and prints.
