Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a charcoal drawing by Johannes Itten. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a drawing by Johannes Itten circa 1917, is a charcoal and pencil on paper work housed at The Museum of Modern Art. It depicts two intertwined reclining nude figures.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a pair of nude figures in a relaxed, entwined pose, with one's head resting on the other's shoulder. The emphasis is on capturing a natural, intimate moment rather than anatomical detail.
Technique & Style
Itten employed loose, uneven lines of varying darkness to create a sense of movement and energy. The sketchy, rough texture, achieved through charcoal and pencil, suggests a quick, spontaneous study.
History & Provenance
Created around 1917, the work is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Specific details about its creation context or earlier ownership are not provided.
Context
Given its date, the piece may reflect Itten's exploration of figure drawing during his early career, potentially influenced by his teachings at the Bauhaus school starting in 1919.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of this piece are not noted, it contributes to the broader understanding of Itten's artistic development and his emphasis on expressive figure drawing.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johannes Itten was a Swiss expressionist painter, designer, teacher, writer and theorist associated with the Bauhaus school.
