Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Jakob Steinhardt, tempera, 1951
Untitled, by Jakob Steinhardt, tempera, 1951

Untitled is a tempera print by Jakob Steinhardt. It dates from 1951 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a 1951 woodcut print by Jakob Steinhardt, held at The Museum of Modern Art. It combines woodcut techniques with hand-painted color tempera additions.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two sea monsters emerging from turbulent waves, their bodies twisting like ropes with sharp fins and spiky hair. The scene suggests a stormy atmosphere, with dark clouds and pale gold sky above deep blue, foamy water. The monsters appear to be engaged in a dynamic interaction, possibly fighting or dancing.

Technique & Style

The artist employed woodcut lines to define the shapes, then added color by hand using tempera paint, resulting in a slightly uneven finish in some areas. This mixed technique combines the expressive qualities of woodcut with the rich, textured effects of tempera.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jakob Steinhardt

Artist

Jakob Steinhardt

Jacob Steinhardt was a German-born Israeli painter and woodcut artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.