Who painted Untitled. [Man seated on a chair]?

Untitled. [Man seated on a chair] was painted by Elizabeth Berry in 1932.

Where can I see Untitled. [Man seated on a chair]?

Untitled. [Man seated on a chair] is held by Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

What movement is Untitled. [Man seated on a chair]?

Untitled. [Man seated on a chair] is associated with American Folk Art.

Can I buy a print of Untitled. [Man seated on a chair]?

Museum-quality prints of Untitled. [Man seated on a chair] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Untitled. [Man seated on a chair]

Elizabeth Berry , 1932

Untitled. [Man seated on a chair] is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist Elizabeth Berry. It dates from 1932 and is held in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1932, this oil painting by Elizabeth Berry portrays a solitary figure seated on a wooden chair. The work is part of the collection at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and is titled simply as Untitled. The composition focuses on the quiet presence of the man against a muted, light‑green wall.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a barefoot man in shorts, his arms crossed as he gazes to his left. His relaxed posture and subdued expression convey a mood of contemplation and inner calm. The sparse setting and minimal surroundings invite viewers to consider themes of solitude and introspection.

Technique & Style

Berry employs oil on canvas with a restrained palette, allowing the soft greens of the background to recede while the figure remains prominent. The brushwork is smooth, emphasizing the texture of the wooden chair and the flesh tones. The composition balances the figure against negative space, creating an intimate visual field.

History & Provenance

The painting was completed in the early 1930s, a period when Berry was active in New Zealand's art scene. It entered the Te Papa collection through acquisition, though specific details of its prior ownership are not recorded publicly. The work remains on display as part of the museum’s holdings of early twentieth‑century New Zealand art.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Elizabeth Berry

Elizabeth Berry (1910–1940) was an artist, born in Palmerston North.

Museum

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

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