Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil drawing by George Grosz. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1917, this oil work on board by George Grosz is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Though titled simply, the piece presents an urban night scene rendered with a stark, atmospheric palette that emphasizes the tension of its setting.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a dimly lit city street populated by a few isolated figures. A man in a blue suit and white shirt occupies the foreground, while a woman in a red hat and dress appears further back. A “CAFE” sign on the right suggests a social venue, yet the overall arrangement conveys a sense of disconnection among the passersby.
Technique & Style
Grosz employs vigorous brushwork and a limited yet vivid color scheme, allowing the blues and reds to stand out against the darker background. The oil medium on a rigid board supports the sharp contrasts and textured strokes that heighten the work’s emotional intensity.
History & Provenance
The painting was produced during the final year of World War I, a period marked by social upheaval in Germany. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains on display as part of the institution’s early‑20th‑century European collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Grosz was a German artist known especially for his caricatural drawings and paintings of Berlin life in the 1920s.
