Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a print by Chuck Close. It dates from 1998 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1998, this black‑and‑white photogravure presents a close‑up view of a man looking directly at the audience.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1998, this black‑and‑white photogravure presents a close‑up view of a man looking directly at the audience. The subject, rendered in a large format, wears a dark collared shirt and displays a neutral expression with a faint smile. Light falls from the left, producing a gentle shadow across the right side of his face.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures a solitary figure with short hair, emphasizing the direct gaze and the subtle interplay of light and shadow. The restrained expression invites viewers to contemplate the individual's presence without narrative distraction, focusing instead on the nuances of facial features and the psychological impact of eye contact.
Technique & Style
Executed as a photogravure, the work utilizes a printmaking process that transfers a photographic image onto a copper plate, which is then etched and printed. This method allows for fine tonal gradations and a high level of detail, characteristic of the artist’s practice of merging photographic realism with the tactile qualities of print.
History & Provenance
The piece follows a period of adaptation after the artist’s 1988 spinal artery occlusion, during which he modified his studio methods to accommodate limited mobility. Continuing his long‑standing interest in portraiture, he turned to photographic sources and print media, producing works such as this one that maintain his signature focus on the human face.
Context
Situated within the artist’s broader oeuvre, the work reflects a sustained investigation of portraiture that bridges photorealism and abstraction. By employing a monochrome palette and a large scale, the image aligns with his earlier large‑format portraits while also highlighting the evolution of his technique in response to physical constraints.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Thomas Close (July 5, 1940 – August 19, 2021) was an American painter, visual artist, and photographer who made massive-scale photorealist and abstract portraits of himself and others.
