Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Gabor Peterdi in 1938.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Artwork

Untitled

Gabor Peterdi , 1938

Untitled is an ink print by Gabor Peterdi. It dates from 1938 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1938 etching and engraving print by Hungarian-American artist Gabor Peterdi, depicts a distorted face amidst a tangled background. The work is held in The Museum of Modern Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a face contorted in pain or anger, with an open mouth, bared teeth, and prominent dark eyes. The surrounding twisted lines, resembling roots or vines, suggest entrapment or turmoil.

Technique & Style

Peterdi employed etching and engraving to achieve fine, precise lines, creating textured depth in the hair and background. The metal plate scratching technique is evident in the print's detailed rendering.

History & Provenance

Created in 1938, the year before Peterdi's 1939 immigration to the US, the work later became part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Peterdi's subsequent career included US Army service during WWII and influential teaching positions.

Context

Reflecting the turmoil of its pre-WWII creation, the piece may allude to the anxiety of Peterdi's impending immigration and the global unrest of the late 1930s.

Legacy

While *Untitled*'s specific impact is not broadly documented, it contributes to Peterdi's recognized contributions to printmaking, notably through his later educational roles at esteemed institutions.

Artist & collection

Artist

Gabor Peterdi

Gabor Peterdi (1915 in Pestújhely, Hungary – 2001 in Stamford, Connecticut) was a Hungarian-American painter and printmaker who immigrated to the United States in 1939.