Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a crayon drawing by Charles Despiau. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1920 by French sculptor and draftsman Charles Despiau, this untitled drawing is executed in crayon on paper and is part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The work presents a solitary nude figure rendered with a focus on subtle tonal variation.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows a seated woman whose body is turned slightly to the right. Her head is bowed, eyes closed, and her posture suggests introspection. The left hand rests on the chair’s arm, while the right hand lies on her thigh, and her legs are crossed, creating a quiet, intimate moment.
Technique & Style
Using crayon, Despiau achieves soft, delicate shading that emphasizes the contours of the figure without harsh lines. The drawing’s realistic approach captures the flesh’s curvature and facial features, while the light gray background isolates the form, enhancing its three‑dimensional presence on the paper.
History & Provenance
The piece dates to the early 1920s, a period when Despiau was exploring drawing alongside his sculptural practice. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains on view as part of the institution’s modern drawing collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Despiau was a French sculptor and teacher. He also worked as a draftsman, graphic artist and book illustrator.
