Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a print by Cyril E. Power. It dates from 1932 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created circa 1932, this linoleum cut presents a stylised aquatic scene in which two fish glide through undulating water.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1932, this linoleum cut presents a stylised aquatic scene in which two fish glide through undulating water.
Created circa 1932, this linoleum cut presents a stylised aquatic scene in which two fish glide through undulating water. The composition relies on bold, dark outlines that dominate the surface, while the surrounding area is filled with swirling textures that convey a sense of movement. The work exemplifies the graphic clarity and rhythmic energy characteristic of early‑20th‑century British printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The image focuses on two fish rendered in simplified forms, their bodies outlined with thick lines that suggest both solidity and fluidity. The surrounding water is suggested by rhythmic, curvilinear patterns that evoke currents and waves, inviting the viewer to contemplate the interplay between form and motion in a natural setting.
Technique & Style
Executed through the linoleum‑cut process, the artist carved the design into a smooth, rubber‑like block, inked the surface, and transferred the image onto paper. The method yields stark contrasts and clean edges, which the artist exploits to produce the work’s characteristic graphic boldness and textured background swirls.
History & Provenance
The print was produced by Cyril Edward Power, an English artist noted for his contributions to modern printmaking and for co‑founding the Grosvenor School of Modern Art. It entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of early 20th‑century prints.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cyril Edward Power (17 December 1872 – 25 May 1951) was an English artist best known for his linocut prints, long-standing artistic partnership with artist Sybil Andrews and for co-founding the Grosvenor School of Modern Art in London in…
