Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Demetrio Urruchúa in 1941.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Artwork

Untitled

Demetrio Urruchúa , 1941

Untitled is a print by Demetrio Urruchúa. It dates from 1941 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1941, this monotype by Mexican artist Demetrio Urruchúa is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The work, titled only as Untitled, presents a stark, monochrome composition that centers on a solitary human face rendered in varying tones of black and gray.

Subject & Meaning

The image focuses on a single visage, its features—especially an emphasized eye and nose—emerging from a deep, shadowy background. The ambiguous expression and lack of contextual clues invite speculation about the figure’s identity, fostering an atmosphere of quiet mystery.

Technique & Style

Executed as a monotype, the piece relies on the chiaroscuro tradition, using strong contrasts between light and dark to model volume. The gradations of gray give the face a three‑dimensional presence, while the surrounding darkness heightens the visual impact of the central form.

History & Provenance

Urruchúa produced this work during a period of heightened experimentation with print media in Mexico. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains on view as an example of mid‑twentieth‑century Mexican printmaking.