Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Alexej von Jawlensky. It dates from 1912 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
You can still see the faint grid lines he used to plan the pose—like a secret map under the final image.
This is a pencil drawing of a woman lying on her side, her body curved like a wave. The lines are quick and light, almost like the artist barely touched the paper.
Jawlensky made this in 1912, right when he was leaving realistic portraits behind. The drawing feels loose, as if he drew it in one sitting. You can still see the faint grid lines he used to plan the pose—like a secret map under the final image.
If you like how pencil can feel alive, try looking up cross-hatching.
Overview
Untitled is a 1912 graphite pencil drawing on paper by Alexei Jawlensky, held at The Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a woman reclining on her side, her body forming a curved, wave-like shape. The pose suggests a transitional moment in Jawlensky's style, as he was moving away from realistic representation around this time.
Technique & Style
The drawing is characterized by quick, light lines and a loose, spontaneous feel, as if executed in a single session. Underlying grid lines remain visible, indicating the artist's initial planning process.
History & Provenance
Created in 1912, this work marks a period of significant stylistic change for Jawlensky, as he began to depart from realistic portraiture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alexej Georgewitsch von Jawlensky (Russian: Алексе́й Гео́ргиевич Явле́нский, romanized: Alekséy Geórgiyevich Yavlénskiy; 13 March 1864 – 15 March 1941), surname also spelt as Yavlensky, was a Russian expressionist painter active in Germany.
