Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a charcoal drawing by José Clemente Orozco. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1923, this charcoal drawing by José Clemente Orozco presents a close‑up study of a pair of human feet rendered on paper. The work measures only a few inches across, yet its stark monochrome composition draws the viewer’s eye to the subtle variations of line and tone that define the forms. It is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing isolates the lower extremities of a figure, emphasizing the weight and balance inherent in the human body. By focusing on an ordinary, often overlooked detail, Orozco invites contemplation of the everyday physicality that underlies larger social and industrial narratives present in his broader oeuvre.
Technique & Style
Executed with charcoal, the artist employs dense cross‑hatching to model the curvature of the arches and the texture of the skin. The marks vary from delicate, feather‑light strokes to heavier, saturated lines, creating a sense of depth while maintaining a largely realistic representation. The limited palette underscores the drawing’s emphasis on form over color.
History & Provenance
Orozco, a central figure of the Mexican Mural Renaissance, produced this work during a period when he was also creating large‑scale public murals. The piece entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection through a mid‑20th‑century acquisition, reflecting the institution’s interest in documenting the early graphic studies of Latin American modernists.
Artist & collection
Artist
José Clemente Orozco (November 23, 1883 – September 7, 1949) was a Mexican caricaturist and painter, who specialized in political murals that established the Mexican Mural Renaissance together with murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro…
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