Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a print by Charles White. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1958, this untitled linoleum cut by Charles White is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Executed in black and white, the work exemplifies White’s focus on stark graphic composition and the expressive potential of printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a solitary figure seen in profile, dressed in a long, heavily folded coat with a high collar and a low‑set hat. Hands are concealed in pockets and the sturdy shoes suggest a grounded presence, inviting contemplation of anonymity and resilience.
Technique & Style
White employed the linoleum cut process, carving lines and textures that generate depth through tonal variation rather than hue. The rough, swirling marks in the background, likely incised directly into the paper, contrast with the crisp, three‑dimensional rendering of the coat’s folds.
History & Provenance
Since its creation, the print has remained within institutional holdings, ultimately entering the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is displayed among works that highlight mid‑century American printmaking.
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…
