Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Juan Sanchez.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Untitled by Juan Sanchez — Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

Created in 1992, this untitled work by Juan Sánchez combines lithographic processes with oil stick drawing and collage. The composition juxtaposes fragments of traditional religious imagery with contemporary photographic and painterly elements, resulting in a layered surface that oscillates between reverence and disruption. The piece is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.

Subject & Meaning

Four identical figures in robes, each outlined by a golden halo, occupy the corners of the image, their chests rendered in luminous tones. At the center, a monochrome photograph of a suited man is encircled by red borders and chaotic, spiraling paint gestures. The contrast between sacred iconography and a modern portrait suggests a dialogue between historic spirituality and present‑day identity.

Technique & Style

The work employs both lithography and photolithography as base printing methods, onto which Sánchez adds oil stick marks and collaged paper elements. The surface is further textured by scraped and rebuilt areas, creating a fragmented visual field where smooth printed zones meet aggressive, gestural paint. This hybrid approach blurs the line between printmaking and painting.

History & Provenance

After its completion in 1992, the piece entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on view. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in works that explore the intersection of traditional imagery and contemporary print techniques.

Context

Sánchez’s practice often interrogates cultural and religious symbols through mixed media. In this work, the integration of old‑style devotional motifs with a contemporary photographic portrait aligns with broader early‑1990s trends that questioned the boundaries between high art, popular culture, and personal narrative.