Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Johannes Itten. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1920, this lithographic print by Johannes Itten is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Rendered solely in black and white, the work presents a stark, geometric composition that emphasizes line and form over representational detail.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts an abstracted, block‑shaped dwelling set within a grassy expanse. Sharp corners and flat planes define the structure, while rectangular dark areas suggest windows or doors. A flat roof capped by a modest tower adds a vertical accent, giving the scene a schematic, almost architectural quality.
Technique & Style
Executed through lithography, the piece relies on the contrast between dense black shapes and open white space. Itten’s line work is minimal and precise, reinforcing the design‑like character of the composition. The monochrome palette heightens the geometric rigor, aligning the work with early modernist explorations of form.
History & Provenance
Johannes Itten, a Swiss painter and teacher associated with the Bauhaus, produced this print during the early post‑World War I period. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings through acquisition, where it remains accessible for study of Itten’s printmaking practice and his contribution to modernist visual language.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johannes Itten was a Swiss expressionist painter, designer, teacher, writer and theorist associated with the Bauhaus school.
