Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint drawing by John Button. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
John Button's *Untitled* (1967) is a drawing executed in synthetic polymer paint on three sheets of acetate, characteristic of the artist's output during his active participation in New York City's vibrant art scene.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts two dark, smudged figures in close proximity on an uneven surface, one holding a tool-like object while the other leans in, suggesting collaboration or conversation. The scene reflects Button's adherence to representational subjects.
Technique & Style
The drawing features loose, rapid lines, indicating a hasty execution. The overall appearance is unfinished, with a light beige acetate background and a quick, scrawled signature in the corner.
History & Provenance
Created in 1967, this piece aligns with Button's association with the New York School of Painters and Poets, distinguishing him through his realism amidst the Abstract Expressionist dominance.
Context
*Untitled* (1967) situates Button alongside contemporaries Fairfield Porter and Jane Freilicher, engaging in the mid-20th-century New York dialogue on figurative painting while maintaining a commitment to cityscape and representational themes.
Legacy
This work exemplifies Button's sketchy, representational style, offering insight into his artistic approach and contributions to the New York art scene of the 1960s.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Button (1929–12 December 1982) was an American artist, well known for his city-scapes.
