Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink drawing by Juan Gris. It dates from 1925 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1925, this pen‑and‑ink drawing by Juan Gris is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Executed on paper, the work is untitled and presents a single figure rendered with swift, intersecting strokes that give the image a sense of immediacy while retaining a recognizable form.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a woman seen in profile, her posture relaxed and her hair rendered in a loose, disheveled manner. The figure’s arms hang loosely at her sides, suggesting a moment of casual stillness. The lack of narrative detail invites viewers to focus on the gesture and presence of the sitter rather than a specific story.
Technique & Style
Gris employs dense cross‑hatching to construct the woman's silhouette, allowing overlapping lines to create both volume and a sketch‑like quality. The background is reduced to faint, barely perceptible marks, emphasizing the figure against a neutral paper tone. This rapid layering of strokes reflects a practice of building form through repeated, intersecting lines.
History & Provenance
The drawing entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings after its acquisition in the mid‑20th century, though precise details of its earlier ownership remain undocumented. Its presence in MoMA situates it among other works that illustrate Gris’s exploration of drawing techniques during the later phase of his career.
Artist & collection
Artist
José Victoriano González-Pérez , better known as Juan Gris, was a Spanish painter born in Madrid who lived and worked in France for most of his active period.
