Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Charles Burchfield. It dates from 1951 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1951, this lithographic print by American artist Charles Burchfield presents a solitary crow in mid‑flight over a stylized forest.
Created in 1951, this lithographic print by American artist Charles Burchfield presents a solitary crow in mid‑flight over a stylized forest. The composition balances a sharply defined bird against a loosely rendered canopy and sky, generating a contrast between precise silhouette and atmospheric background. The work resides in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, reflecting Burchfield’s continued presence in major U.S. institutions.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure—a dark crow—commands attention, its stark outline suggesting both movement and a sense of foreboding. Surrounding trees and a cloud‑filled sky are rendered with minimal detail, allowing the bird to embody themes of mystery and the tension between the natural world’s solidity and its fleeting, intangible aspects.
Technique & Style
Executed as a lithograph, the image relies on bold, decisive lines that convey the bird’s swift motion. Burchfield’s treatment of the foliage and sky employs a more abstract, gestural approach, using tonal washes and simplified forms to evoke atmosphere rather than precise botanical accuracy. The juxtaposition of crisp and fluid elements underscores his interest in expressive representation.
History & Provenance
Burchfield, noted for his vivid portrayals of both rural and urban scenes, produced this work during a prolific period in the early 1950s. After its creation, the lithograph entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on view. The piece is among the many Burchfield holdings distributed across more than one hundred American museums.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Ephraim Burchfield (April 9, 1893 – January 10, 1967) was an American painter and visionary artist, known for his passionate watercolors of nature scenes and townscapes.
