Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Conrad Felixmüller. It dates from 1921 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1921, this untitled drypoint by Conrad Felixmüller presents a close‑up study of a child’s face. Rendered solely with black incised lines on white paper, the image captures a moment of quiet introspection as the young figure looks downward, hands folded in the lap, while a faint urban backdrop hints at a street, trees and a building beyond.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on the intimate expression of childhood, emphasizing the unguarded gaze and the disheveled hair that convey a sense of vulnerability. The subdued setting, reduced to barely perceptible architectural outlines, suggests the child is situated in an everyday environment, inviting viewers to contemplate the ordinary moments that define early life.
Technique & Style
Executed in drypoint, the artist incised the image directly into the paper’s surface, producing a characteristic rough, velvety line quality. The exclusive use of black pigment against the white ground highlights the tactile nature of the medium, allowing the raised burrs to catch light and deepen the tonal range without any added color.
History & Provenance
Since its creation, the print has been part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Its inclusion in MoMA’s holdings reflects the institution’s interest in early 20th‑century German printmaking and the artist’s role within the avant‑garde movements of the period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Conrad Felixmüller was a German expressionist painter and printmaker. Born in Dresden as Conrad Felix Müller, he chose Felixmüller as his nom d'artiste.
