Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Richard Hamilton Dieter Roth. It dates from 1976 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1976, this pencil drawing by Richard Hamilton and Dieter Roth is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1976, this pencil drawing by Richard Hamilton and Dieter Roth is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The work is untitled and consists of a loosely rendered portrait within a rough rectangular outline that suggests a frame. The composition is informal, with the figure’s head tilted and the surrounding marks appearing unfinished.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a human head and shoulders, rendered with swift, gestural strokes that convey immediacy rather than detailed likeness. The lack of defined edges and the sketchy background invite viewers to focus on the act of drawing itself, emphasizing the transient nature of observation and the fleeting capture of a moment.
Technique & Style
Hamilton and Roth employ dense cross‑hatching, layering intersecting lines to suggest volume and shadow. The drawing’s overall texture is raw, with overlapping marks that build form without reliance on precise contours. This approach underscores a spontaneous, almost single‑session execution, highlighting the artists’ interest in process over polished finish.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced in the mid‑1970s, a period when both artists were exploring collaborative and experimental practices. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation, where it remains in the drawing department, representing a concise example of their joint exploratory work in drawing media.
Artist & collection
