Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Clarence Holbrook Carter. It dates from 1950 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1950, this black‑and‑white lithograph depicts a nocturnal scene of two railway workers attending to a stretch of track.
About this work
Overview
A thin crescent moon illuminates the sky, and distant power lines extend across the composition, lending a sense of quiet concentration.
Created in 1950, this black‑and‑white lithograph depicts a nocturnal scene of two railway workers attending to a stretch of track. One figure leans over the rails, adjusting a component, while the other stands nearby with a toolbox, his back turned to the viewer. A thin crescent moon illuminates the sky, and distant power lines extend across the composition, lending a sense of quiet concentration.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures a moment of ordinary labor, emphasizing the solitude and focus inherent in night‑time maintenance. By isolating the figures against a dark backdrop, the image draws attention to the physicality of the task and the understated rhythm of industrial work, suggesting a respect for the unseen efforts that keep transportation systems running.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the piece relies on the contrast of dense black lines against stark white paper to convey texture and depth. The artist’s handling of line work creates a crisp delineation of the workers and the surrounding infrastructure, while the limited palette reinforces the atmospheric mood of a moonlit night.
History & Provenance
The lithograph was produced by Clarence H. Carter, an American painter and watercolorist active throughout the twentieth century. Though primarily known for his paintings, Carter explored printmaking in the post‑war period. The work entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of mid‑century American prints.
Artist & collection
Artist
Clarence Holbrook Carter, known to friends as "Cartie," was an American artist who worked primarily in oil and watercolor. He is considered one of Cleveland’s most renowned painters.
