Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by David. It dates from 1998 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, created in 1998 by David Hockney, is an etching combined with aquatint. The work belongs to a diverse portfolio that also includes lithographs, screenprints, digital and offset prints, a solar plate intaglio, and a video transfer. It is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a solitary wooden chair with a gently curved back and armrests, positioned on a checkered floor. A crumpled hat rests on the seat, its brim folded and fabric creased, suggesting a moment of casual abandonment. The composition invites contemplation of everyday objects rendered with quiet attention.
Technique & Style
Hockney employs a combination of line etching and aquatint to achieve both precise outlines and subtle tonal shading. The black lines define the chair’s structure, while the aquatint creates soft gradations that give the hat a sense of volume. This dual approach balances crispness with atmospheric depth.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in 1998 and subsequently entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on display. Its inclusion reflects MoMA’s interest in Hockney’s explorations of printmaking during the late 1990s.
Context
During the late 1990s Hockney experimented with a range of print media, integrating traditional techniques such as etching with newer processes like digital printing. Untitled exemplifies his interest in juxtaposing ordinary domestic subjects with the formal possibilities of the print medium.
Artist & collection
Artist
David Hockney (born 9 July 1937) is an English painter, draughtsman, printmaker, stage designer, and photographer.
