Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a tempera drawing by Jacob Lawrence. It dates from 1959 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1959 egg tempera on board drawing by Jacob Lawrence, captures a vibrant indoor gathering of people amidst everyday objects, characterized by bold colors and geometric forms.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a diverse group in a room filled with boxes, chairs, and a central checkerboard, conveying the dynamism of communal life, likely inspired by Lawrence's observations of Harlem.
Technique & Style
Employing his self-described 'dynamic cubism,' Lawrence blends European modernist influences with West African and Meso-American artistic elements, evident in the work's energetic, geometric composition.
History & Provenance
Part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, *Untitled* was created during a period preceding Lawrence's 16-year tenure as a professor at the University of Washington.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacob Armstead Lawrence (September 7, 1917 – June 9, 2000) was an American painter known for his portrayal of African-American historical subjects and contemporary life.
