Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Gilbert Proesch, George Passmore Gilbert & George. It dates from 1973 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
It looks like a quiet street scene, but the artists behind it often play with how we see everyday things.
This black-and-white photo shows an old building with a sloped roof and chimneys. The walls are made of dark wood, and the windows have white frames. A streetlamp stands in front of the building, casting a shadow on the pavement.
The photo is part of a series of cards printed in 1973. It looks like a quiet street scene, but the artists behind it often play with how we see everyday things.
Check out how this was made using lithography.
Overview
Untitled is a black‑and‑white print produced in 1973 by the collaborative duo Gilbert & George. The work consists of a single image printed on a card that forms part of a set of eight, each accompanied by its own envelope. The image depicts a modest, sloping‑roofed building with dark wooden walls, white‑framed windows and a streetlamp that casts a faint shadow onto the pavement.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures a quiet urban street scene, focusing on ordinary architectural elements rather than overt narrative. By presenting a commonplace façade in stark contrast, the artists invite viewers to reconsider the visual language of everyday structures and the subtle interplay of light and shadow that defines public space.
Technique & Style
The image was created using lithography, a planographic printing process that allows fine tonal gradations in monochrome. The artists employed a precise, high‑contrast approach, emphasizing line and form while retaining the photographic quality of the original scene. The result is a crisp, graphic rendering that balances realism with the flatness typical of print media.
History & Provenance
The print is one of a series of eight letterpress and lithograph cards produced by Gilbert & George in 1973, each paired with an envelope. The series was distributed as a limited edition, reflecting the artists’ interest in seriality and the democratization of art objects. The work entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s print holdings.
Context
Created during the early phase of Gilbert & George’s partnership, the piece aligns with their broader practice of documenting urban environments and everyday life. The 1970s saw a resurgence of interest in printmaking as a means of reaching wider audiences, and the duo’s use of serial formats echoes contemporary concerns with reproducibility and the commodification of visual culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gilbert Proesch, George Passmore Gilbert & George
Gilbert & George, Gilbert Proesch, George Passmore was a British artist.
