Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Giacomo Manzù, ink, 1973
Untitled, by Giacomo Manzù, ink, 1973

Untitled is an ink print by Giacomo Manzù. It dates from 1973 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1973, this untitled print by Italian artist Giacomo Manzù is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Executed as an engraving, the work presents a stark, black‑line drawing of two figures whose faces are close, the man’s hand resting on the woman’s chest. A brown rectangular field frames the scene, emphasizing the intimate composition.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a moment of quiet intimacy between a moustachioed man and a woman, their gazes directed inward. The proximity of their faces and the gentle touch suggest a personal connection, while the minimal detail invites viewers to focus on the emotional resonance rather than narrative specifics.

Technique & Style

Manzù employs a loose, expressive line quality typical of his print work, using bold strokes to define form with little ornamentation. The engraving’s stark contrast of black on white, combined with the simple brown backdrop, underscores the artist’s focus on gesture and expression over realistic rendering.

History & Provenance

The piece was produced in the early 1970s, a period when Manzù was exploring print media alongside his sculptural practice. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation, where it remains catalogued as an untitled work, reflecting the artist’s preference for open‑ended titles.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Giacomo Manzù

Artist

Giacomo Manzù

Giacomo Manzù (1908–1991) was an Italian artist, born in Bergamo.

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