Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Jim Dine. It dates from 1971 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1971, this work consists of a series of nine drypoint prints that together form a single portrait.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1971, this work consists of a series of nine drypoint prints that together form a single portrait. The image shows a side view of a man's head and shoulders, rendered in stark black and white against a neutral beige field, and is enclosed within a simple square border. The composition emphasizes the facial features through clear line work and tonal contrast.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait focuses on the profile of a male figure, highlighting a pronounced nose and mouth while the hair is suggested with loose, gestural strokes. The limited palette and direct rendering invite close observation of the sitter’s expression, emphasizing the individuality of the subject without narrative embellishment.
Technique & Style
Executed as drypoint, the artist incised lines directly onto a metal plate, allowing the characteristic burr to produce rich, velvety blacks and delicate grays. The approach yields a tactile quality, especially in the expressive hair lines, while the square framing and restrained composition reflect Dine’s interest in drawing from everyday visual language.
History & Provenance
The series belongs to the early 1970s period when the artist was expanding his printmaking practice alongside painting, sculpture, and photography. Since its creation, the prints have been held in various public and private collections, illustrating the breadth of his work in multiple media during that decade.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jim Dine (born June 16, 1935) is an American visual artist. Dine's work includes painting, drawing, printmaking (in many forms including lithographs, etchings, gravure, intaglio, woodcuts, letterpress, and linocuts),…
