Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a glass drawing by Joseph Cornell. It dates from 1960 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1960, this untitled work by Joseph Cornell consists of printed paper cut and pasted onto a backing, sealed under glass within a wooden frame. Though classified as a drawing, the piece functions as a small-scale assemblage, presenting a delicate, collage-like scene that combines figurative elements with natural motifs in a muted palette.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts two children leaning over a girl's shoulder to view a miniature portrait reflected in a mirror. Surrounding them are a yellow butterfly, a bird near an oversized leaf, and two iridescent birds perched on a branch. The arrangement suggests a quiet, voyeuristic moment that blends domestic observation with a whimsical natural world.
Technique & Style
Cornell employed cut-and-pasted printed paper, layering various textures to achieve depth beneath the protective glass.
Cornell employed cut-and-pasted printed paper, layering various textures to achieve depth beneath the protective glass. The soft whites, browns, and subdued greens contrast with occasional bright accents, while the rendered portrait within the mirror mimics an antiquated miniature painting. This method reflects his broader assemblage practice, merging found printed matter with a Surrealist sensibility.
History & Provenance
The work entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings. Cornell, a self‑taught American artist, produced the piece during a period when he worked largely in isolation, balancing artistic creation with caregiving responsibilities for family members.
Context
Cornell’s untitled piece exemplifies his pioneering role in mid‑twentieth‑century assemblage, a movement that repurposed everyday discarded objects into art. Influenced by Surrealism, his practice emphasized the poetic potential of ordinary materials, positioning this work within a broader dialogue about memory, perception, and the reconfiguration of familiar imagery.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Cornell (December 24, 1903 – December 29, 1972) was an American visual artist and filmmaker, one of the pioneers and most celebrated exponents of assemblage.
