Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a gouache drawing by Joseph Cornell. It dates from 1965 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, created by Joseph Cornell around 1965, is a mixed-media assemblage combining cut-and-pasted printed papers, photographs, and various drawing media, all framed within a handmade box. The work embodies Cornell's unique approach to collage, characterized by the poetic arrangement of disparate elements within a confined, structured space.
Subject & Meaning
The composition features a juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated objects against a dark background, including a teapot with a 'Grand Hotel Couronne & Poste' sign, a fish on a fishing line, a red can, and a blue cube. These elements, sourced from everyday life and ephemera, invite interpretation of their symbolic or narrative connections, reflecting Cornell's Surrealism-influenced practice of imbuing ordinary items with deeper meaning.
Technique & Style
Cornell's technique involves layering printed papers (such as old ads and postcards) with overlays of gouache, crayon, ink, and pencil. The incorporation of a real photograph (gelatin silver print) and the handmade frame further enrich the piece's textured, multi-dimensional quality, exemplifying his distinctive assemblage style that blends found objects with manual artistic interventions.
History & Provenance
Created during Cornell's later period, around 1965, this work reflects his continued engagement with assemblage despite his reclusive life, which was dedicated to family care. While specific provenance details are not provided, the piece is consistent with works from this era that were often shared with or discovered by his artistic network.
Context
Untitled sits within the broader context of American assemblage art, a movement led by figures like Cornell, who transformed discarded materials into nuanced, often enigmatic, artworks. His self-taught approach, influenced by Surrealism's emphasis on the subconscious and unexpected combinations, further contextualizes the work's dreamlike, composite nature.
Legacy
This piece contributes to Cornell's legacy as a pioneer in assemblage, inspiring future generations to explore the artistic potential of found objects and mixed-media collage. Its unique blend of the mundane and the poetic continues to fascinate audiences, underscoring the enduring appeal of Cornell's innovative practice.
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.
