Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Alexander Calder, ink, 1947
Untitled, by Alexander Calder, ink, 1947

Untitled is an ink drawing by Alexander Calder. It dates from 1947 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a drawing by Alexander Calder from circa 1947, is a black ink composition on beige paper, featuring four distinct stick figures characterized by their long limbs and forward-facing yet divergently directed gazes.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Untitled revolves around four varied stick figures, differing in shape and size but unified in style. One figure's prominent smile introduces an element of personality, inviting interpretation beyond their simplistic forms.

Technique & Style

Calder employs a minimalist approach with black ink on a beige background, emphasizing simplicity and linearity. The consistent style across the figures contrasts with their individualized expressions and directions.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1947, Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, highlighting Calder's exploration of figural representation within his broader oeuvre.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alexander Calder

Artist

Alexander Calder

Alexander "Sandy" Calder was an American sculptor known both for his innovative mobiles that embrace chance in their aesthetic, his static "stabiles", and his monumental public sculptures.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.