Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Charles White. It dates from 1945 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
A man, dressed in a dark jacket over a light shirt, cradles a baby in his arms, gazing out the window with a somber expression.
This lithograph, created in 1945 by Charles White, presents a poignant scene. A man, dressed in a dark jacket over a light shirt, cradles a baby in his arms, gazing out the window with a somber expression. The baby, wrapped in a blanket, lies on its back, looking up at the man with its eyes closed. In the background, a window with dark wood framing reveals a serene landscape of a cloudy sky and a barren tree.
The man's facial features are rendered in a realistic style, while the baby's face is more stylized. The overall mood of the piece is one of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to reflect on the tender moment captured.
To explore more works by Charles White, visit The Museum of Modern Art.
Overview
Charles White created this lithograph in 1945 as part of his engagement with everyday Black life during the mid-20th century. The work is held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, where it contributes to a broader dialogue on dignity and quiet resilience in American visual culture. Its modest scale and monochromatic palette emphasize emotional depth over spectacle.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a man holding an infant near a window, their gaze directed outward in silent reflection. The man’s somber expression and the baby’s closed eyes suggest a moment of stillness amid uncertainty. The barren tree and overcast sky outside reinforce a sense of quiet endurance, framing the scene as one of intimate care within a larger, unresolved world.
Technique & Style
White employed lithographic ink to achieve subtle tonal gradations, enhancing the texture of fabric and skin. The man’s face is rendered with precise realism, while the infant’s features are simplified, creating a contrast that draws attention to the emotional exchange. The composition is tightly framed, focusing attention on the figures and their shared stillness.
History & Provenance
Produced in 1945, the print emerged during a period when White was deeply involved in community-based art projects and social realism. It entered The Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting early institutional recognition of his work. The print has remained in the museum’s holdings since, consistently included in exhibitions on American printmaking and African American art.
Context
Created in the aftermath of World War II, the work resonates with broader cultural shifts in American society, including heightened awareness of racial inequality and the role of the Black family. White’s focus on domestic intimacy countered prevailing stereotypes, offering a counter-narrative grounded in observation rather than myth.
Legacy
This lithograph exemplifies White’s commitment to portraying Black life with nuance and humanity. It influenced later generations of artists who sought to depict ordinary moments with gravity. Its presence in MoMA’s collection affirms its role in expanding the canon of American printmaking beyond traditional themes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Wilbert White Jr. was an American artist known for his chronicling of African American related subjects in paintings, drawings, lithographs, and murals. White's lifelong commitment to chronicling the triumphs…
