Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a crayon drawing by Claes Oldenburg. It dates from 1962 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1962 drawing by Claes Oldenburg, is a lithographic crayon on paper work depicting a hamburger. Characteristic of Oldenburg's fascination with everyday objects, this piece predates his collaborative work with wife Coosje van Bruggen.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a simply rendered hamburger, embodies Oldenburg's exploration of mundane, consumerist items as worthy of artistic attention. The humble food item, elevated to a subject of study, reflects the artist's interest in the ordinary.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithographic crayon on paper, the drawing features a textured, rough appearance. The black and white, cartoonish rendering with subtle shading conveys a sense of depth and, paradoxically, appetizing quality despite its simplicity.
History & Provenance
Created in 1962 while Oldenburg was based in New York City, *Untitled* is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Claes Oldenburg (January 28, 1929 – July 18, 2022) was a Swedish-born American sculptor best known for his public art installations, typically featuring large replicas of everyday objects.
