Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Horst Janssen. It dates from 1968 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1968 drawing by German artist Horst Janssen, is a crayon and pencil work on paper characterized by soft, blended forms and a muted color palette. It is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts two pale, featureless, yellowish bodies facing each other, with indistinct boundaries between them. Their smooth, rounded shapes and the lack of defining features create a sense of ambiguity and intimacy.
Technique & Style
Janssen employed crayon and pencil to achieve a simple, understated quality. The absence of sharp lines, dark shadows, and detailed rendering contributes to the work's quiet, dreamlike atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Created in 1968, the piece is now held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art. Janssen's career spanned from the 1940s, with early support from Guido Dessauer for his lithography work.
Context
Trained under Alfred Mahlau at the Landeskunstschule Hamburg, Janssen's practice was influenced by his background in drawing and printmaking, evident in the restrained yet expressive approach of *Untitled*.
Artist & collection
Artist
Horst Janssen (14 November 1929 – 31 August 1995) was a German draftsman, printmaker, poster artist and illustrator.
