Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Daniel Richter. It dates from 1997 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1997, this drawing by Daniel Richter is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Executed with pencil and ballpoint pen on paper, the work presents a loosely rendered portrait that combines gestural line work with brief textual elements in German.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a head and shoulders, the figure’s hair rendered in a disheveled, short style. Clutched against the chest is a small animal, possibly a rabbit, suggesting a moment of intimacy or protection. The inclusion of the phrases “Das Elenda” and “Kleiner Scheisser, nicht” adds a cryptic, perhaps humorous, linguistic layer.
Technique & Style
Richter employs rapid, overlapping strokes of pencil and ballpoint pen, allowing the lines to intersect and generate tonal variation. The background consists of crisscrossing marks that evoke fissures or radiating rays, reinforcing the sketchy, spontaneous quality of the composition.
History & Provenance
The drawing entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation, becoming part of the institution’s representation of late‑20th‑century drawing practices. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in Richter’s experimental approach to line and text.
Artist & collection
Artist
Daniel Richter is a German artist. He is based in Berlin, and was previously active in Hamburg. He is known for large-scale oil paintings.
