Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Dong Kingman, watercolor, 1941
Untitled, by Dong Kingman, watercolor, 1941

Untitled is a watercolor drawing by Dong Kingman. It dates from 1941 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1941 watercolor on paper by Dong Kingman, depicts a vibrant coastal cityscape characterized by closely packed buildings, a prominent white church, and a dynamic seascape.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a bustling city by the water, with a white church on a hill overlooking smaller, colorful houses and a ship navigating choppy seas under a cloudy sky, evoking a sense of lively drama.

Technique & Style

Kingman employed bold colors and sharp lines in loose, quick watercolor brushstrokes, suggesting a sketch-like immediacy, while glazing techniques added depth to the composition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1941, the work is part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection, reflecting Kingman’s prominence within the California Style School and his broader presence in over 50 global public and private collections.

Artist & collection

Artist

Dong Kingman

Dong Kingman (Chinese: 曾景文; pinyin: Zéng Jǐngwén, 31 March 1911 – 12 May 2000) was a Chinese American artist and one of America's leading watercolor masters.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.