Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Horst Janssen. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1958 print by German artist Horst Janssen, combines etching and aquatint techniques to depict a group of tall, stiff figures with blank faces and a small, out-of-place dog against a dark background.
Subject & Meaning
The print features figures with blank, large-eyed faces and one character composed of stitched shapes, evoking a sense of detachment and artificiality, while the juxtaposed dog introduces a note of incongruity.
Technique & Style
Janssen employed etching and aquatint to achieve sharp lines and rough textures, reminiscent of scratching or worn paper, contributing to the work’s sense of depth and tactile quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1958 by Horst Janssen, who trained under Alfred Mahlau and transitioned into lithography in the early 1950s with Guido Dessauer’s support, the piece is now part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection.
Context
Reflecting Janssen’s exploration of printmaking techniques, this work sits within his broader output of drawings and prints, characteristic of his prolific career spanning from the 1940s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Horst Janssen (14 November 1929 – 31 August 1995) was a German draftsman, printmaker, poster artist and illustrator.
