Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by André Derain. It dates from 1912 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1912, this black‑and‑white engraving by André Derain is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art. The work presents a solitary nude figure situated within a densely wooded setting, rendered entirely through line and shading without any color.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a woman standing amid trees, her left hand resting on her head and her right hand placed on her hip. Her posture is relaxed, and her expression serene, suggesting a quiet communion with the surrounding forest environment.
Technique & Style
Derain employs strong contour lines to define the figure’s curves, while extensive cross‑hatching builds tonal depth and shadow across both the body and the foliage. The trees are depicted with slender trunks and layered leaves, their forms simplified yet expressive through the same linear approach.
History & Provenance
The engraving, dated circa 1912, reflects Derain’s early exploration of printmaking. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings as part of the institution’s effort to document early twentieth‑century avant‑garde works, where it remains on view for study and public appreciation.
Artist & collection
Artist
André Derain was a French artist, painter, sculptor and co-founder, with Henri Matisse, of Fauvism.
