Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Francis Picabia, watercolor, 1930
Untitled, by Francis Picabia, watercolor, 1930

Untitled is a watercolor drawing by Francis Picabia. It dates from 1930 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Francis Picabia's 'Untitled' is a drawing created circa 1930 using a mix of ink, gouache, and watercolor on paper. It is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a hybrid creature, combining a face with a horse's head. The face features large, dark eyes and a serene expression, while the horse's head is defined by bold black outlines.

Technique & Style

The artwork showcases Picabia's use of abstract, planar compositions and bold contrasts. Thick black outlines demarcate the shapes, and soft yet vibrant colors are blended to create a sense of depth in the skin and fur.

History & Provenance

Picabia, a French avant-garde artist, experimented with various styles throughout his career, including Cubism and Dadaism. 'Untitled' reflects his diverse artistic trajectory.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francis Picabia

Artist

Francis Picabia

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.

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