Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Émile Berchmans, Alphonse Mucha, Georges de Feure, Various Artists Armand Berton. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
On the left side, there’s a black-and-white drawing of a woman’s face and shoulders, her hair flowing down like waves.
This is a poster for a magazine called *L’Estampe Moderne*. On the left side, there’s a black-and-white drawing of a woman’s face and shoulders, her hair flowing down like waves. She’s holding a paintbrush or a wand. The right side has text in French, listing names and prices for subscriptions.
The magazine was published in 1897 and featured prints by modern artists. The design mixes bold letters with simple, flowing lines—typical of the era’s graphic style.
Look up lithography to see how this kind of print was made.
Overview
Created in 1897, this untitled work comprises a quartet of lithographic prints that functioned as a promotional poster for the French periodical *L’Estampe Moderne*. The piece is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection and exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the magazine, which showcased contemporary printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The central image presents a stylized female portrait rendered in black and white; the figure’s flowing hair and outstretched arm suggest a brush or wand, evoking artistic creation. Accompanying French text on the right lists the names of contributing artists and subscription rates, linking the visual motif to the publication’s purpose of disseminating modern prints.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the prints rely on the traditional stone‑based process that allows for fine line work and tonal variation. The design combines bold, sans‑serif lettering with fluid, decorative lines, reflecting the graphic aesthetic of late‑nineteenth‑century French art magazines.
History & Provenance
The poster was produced for the inaugural issue of *L’Estampe Moderne*, a short‑lived but influential magazine that gathered works by artists such as Alphonse Mucha, Georges de Feure, and others. After its original circulation, the set entered private collections before being acquired by the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on view.
Context
Emerging during the Belle Époque, the poster aligns with the era’s fascination with decorative arts and the rise of mass‑produced visual culture. The inclusion of multiple artists underscores the magazine’s role as a platform for avant‑garde printmakers seeking broader public exposure.
Artist & collection
Artist
Émile Berchmans, Alphonse Mucha, Georges de Feure, Various Artists Armand Berton
Armand Berton, Émile Berchmans, Alphonse Mucha, Georges de Feure, Various Artists (1854–1927) was a French artist.
