Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Howard Cook. It dates from 1950 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
This untitled etching and aquatint print, created by Howard Norton Cook around 1950, depicts a lively market scene. The black-and-white work showcases a gathering of people in wide-brimmed hats surrounded by abundant produce.
Subject & Meaning
The print focuses on a bustling market, emphasizing communal activity and the display of various vegetables such as corn, squash, and beans. Figures engage in quiet, everyday interactions, with some holding or sitting amidst woven baskets and bundles.
Technique & Style
Cook employed etching and aquatint to achieve depth and dimensionality. Sharp, clear lines define the produce, while shading techniques make forms appear three-dimensional, adding visual vitality to the scene.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1950, the print is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Although Cook's travels and New Deal project contributions are well-documented, direct contextual links between these experiences and this specific work are not explicitly stated.
Context
While the exact inspiration for this market scene is unclear, Cook's time in Taos, New Mexico (from 1926 onwards), and his travels with artist Barbara Latham, may have influenced his depiction of communal, possibly Southwestern, market life.
Legacy
As part of MoMA's collection, this print contributes to the museum's holdings of mid-20th-century American printmaking. It reflects Cook's versatility beyond his noted work in wood engravings and murals, highlighting his skill in etching and aquatint.
Artist & collection
Artist
Howard Norton Cook (1901–1980) was an American artist, particularly known for his wood engravings and murals.
