Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor print by Betye Saar. It dates from 1960 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1960, this print combines etching, aquatint, and watercolor additions.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1960, this print combines etching, aquatint, and watercolor additions. It is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection and is attributed to Betye Saar, an American artist known for her work in both assemblage and printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a woman standing beside a white unicorn. The figure is rendered with simple facial features and a curvilinear silhouette outlined in dark lines, while the unicorn’s pale form is highlighted by a spiraled horn. A dark blue sky, a crescent moon, and a faintly illuminated tree form the background, suggesting a whimsical yet ambiguous narrative.
Technique & Style
Saar employed traditional printmaking processes—etching and aquatint—to establish tonal depth, then applied watercolor by hand to accentuate the sketch‑like quality of the composition. The interplay of line work and translucent washes creates a delicate, almost ethereal atmosphere.
History & Provenance
The work entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation, remaining in the institution’s permanent collection. Saar’s career later intersected with the Black Arts Movement of the 1970s, during which she addressed racial and gender stereotypes through her art.
Context
Although the print’s title is listed as Untitled, the visual motif of a woman and a unicorn can be read in relation to Saar’s broader practice of confronting anti‑Black racism and mythic symbolism. The juxtaposition of a mythical creature with a human figure invites reinterpretation of cultural narratives.
Artist & collection
Artist
Betye Irene Saar (born July 30, 1926) is an American artist known for her work in the medium of assemblage.
