Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a tempera painting by the Abstract Expressionist artist Batiste Madalena. It dates from 1927 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled (also referred to as 'The Unknown') is a tempera painting on poster board created by Batiste Madalena in 1927. Measuring 42 3/4 x 24 inches, the work is characterized by its somber color palette and singular focus on a male subject.
Subject & Meaning
The painting centers on a man with a contemplative, melancholic expression. His attire, including a black hat, red bandana, and yellow polka-dot shirt, is set against a predominantly black background, drawing emphasis to his facial demeanor. The inscription 'As 'The Unknown'' suggests an intentional anonymity or universality of the subject.
Technique & Style
Madalena employed tempera on poster board, a less conventional medium for the time, to achieve a flat, matte finish. The bold, dark background contrasts with the more detailed, expressive rendering of the subject's face, highlighting the artist's control over the medium.
History & Provenance
The work is part of the collection courtesy of Judith and Steven Katten, cataloged as F1929. Originally created in 1927, its history prior to the Kattens' ownership is not detailed here.
Context
While specific contextual details about the work's creation are not provided, the somber tone and use of a everyday subject may reflect the broader artistic trends of the late 1920s, which often explored themes of modernity and the human condition.
Legacy
Information on the direct legacy or influence of 'Untitled (The Unknown)' is not provided, though it contributes to the broader understanding of Batiste Madalena's oeuvre and the artistic experimentation of its time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Batiste Madalena (1902–1988) was an American commercial artist best known for the original advertisements he created for the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, NY from 1924-1928.
