Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink drawing by Francis Picabia. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Two of the dots—at the wrists—have swirls around them, like tiny wheels or eyes.
This drawing shows a simple stick-figure body with big, round dots for joints. The arms and legs are bent in odd angles, and the hands end in small circles. Two of the dots—at the wrists—have swirls around them, like tiny wheels or eyes.
The lines are all black ink on light paper, with no shading or color. The signature in the corner reads *"F. Picabia. 17"*, which matches the year 1917.
Check out The Museum of Modern Art to see more works like this.
Overview
Francis Picabia's 'Untitled' is a 1917 drawing executed in ink on paper. It exemplifies the artist's experimental approach during this period.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a simplified stick figure with rounded joints and bent limbs, featuring swirling patterns around the wrist dots. The abstract representation may reflect Picabia's exploration of form and gesture.
Technique & Style
Characterized by bold black lines on light paper, the work showcases Picabia's use of stark contrast. The absence of shading or color emphasizes the graphic quality of the drawing, aligning with his avant-garde inclinations.
History & Provenance
Created in 1917, 'Untitled' is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. The signature 'F. Picabia. 17' confirms its date and authorship.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francis Picabia (French: : born Francis-Marie Martinez de Picabia; 22 January 1879 – 30 November 1953) was a French avant-garde painter, writer, filmmaker, magazine publisher, poet, and typographist closely associated with Dada.
