Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Cy Twombly. It dates from 1970 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Next, check out how etching works to see how artists carve into metal plates to make prints.
This print shows messy, looping lines stacked in four uneven rows. The dark background makes the pale, scratchy marks stand out. Some lines look like scribbles, others like faint shadows or half-erased shapes.
The artist used a mix of fine lines and thick, smudged areas to create texture. The date "1967" is signed in the corner, but the work was made over several years.
Next, check out how etching works to see how artists carve into metal plates to make prints.
Overview
Untitled is a print created by Cy Twombly using etching and aquatint techniques. The work is characterized by its expressive, looping lines and textured marks.
Subject & Meaning
The print features messy, looping lines arranged in four uneven rows, with pale marks standing out against a dark background. The imagery is symbolic and poetic, potentially drawing from literary sources, reflecting Twombly's shift towards more abstract and suggestive representation in his later work.
Technique & Style
Twombly employed a range of techniques to achieve varied textures, combining fine lines with thick, smudged areas. The etching and aquatint processes allowed for the creation of intricate, layered marks, showcasing the artist's calligraphic style.
History & Provenance
Although signed '1967', Untitled was created over several years and finalized in 1970. The print is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edwin Parker "Cy" Twombly Jr. (; April 25, 1928 – July 5, 2011) was an American painter, sculptor, and photographer. Twombly influenced artists such as Anselm Kiefer, Francesco Clemente, Julian Schnabel, and Jean-Michel…
