Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil painting by the Abstract Expressionist artist Edward Corbett. It dates from 1957 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1957, this untitled work by Edward Corbett is an abstract composition executed on canvas with a combination of oil, enamel, and bronze pigments. The piece belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is displayed among mid‑century American abstractions.
Subject & Meaning
The upper portion of the canvas is dominated by a dark, shadow‑like form that suggests a ceiling or roof, while the lower area is built up with irregular masses of white, pink, and gray. The muted palette is punctuated by occasional red accents, inviting viewers to contemplate the tension between solidity and void.
Technique & Style
Corbett applied the medium in thick, gestural strokes that give the surface a palpable texture, reminiscent of impasto. The inclusion of enamel and bronze paint adds a metallic sheen and a gritty, industrial quality, enhancing the visual weight of the layered pigments.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the painting has remained in the public domain, entering the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings where it has been part of the institution’s representation of post‑war American abstraction. Its provenance is documented through MoMA’s acquisition records, confirming its status as a key example of Corbett’s mature period.
Artist & collection
