Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by André Racz in 1949.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Artwork

Untitled

André Racz , 1949

Untitled is an ink print by André Racz. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

André Racz’s 1949 engraving, an untitled work on zinc, resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The composition consists solely of a dense network of intersecting lines, forming a stark, abstract field without recognizable figures or landscape. Its monochrome surface draws attention to the tactile quality of the incised marks, creating a sense of tension through pure line work.

Subject & Meaning

Devoid of narrative imagery, the piece conveys an abstract expression of anguish. The chaotic arrangement of sharp, overlapping strokes suggests a visceral experience, evoking the intensity of pain or turmoil rather than depicting a specific scene. By eliminating figurative references, Racz invites viewers to confront the raw emotional impact of the line itself as a carrier of feeling.

Technique & Style

Executed by engraving onto a zinc plate, the work employs dense cross‑hatching, where multiple layers of incised lines intersect to generate tonal depth. The aggressive carving produces jagged edges and a textured surface that catches light variably, emphasizing the physical act of mark‑making. This method aligns with mid‑century modernist explorations of abstraction through printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in the same year Racz completed a series on the crucifixion, the untitled engraving marks a shift toward non‑representational forms. After its completion, the print entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, where it has been retained as part of the institution’s holdings of post‑war American printmaking.