Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Käthe Kollwitz in 1896.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Untitled

Käthe Kollwitz , 1896

Untitled is a charcoal drawing by the Impressionist artist Käthe Kollwitz. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1896, this untitled charcoal drawing by Käthe Kollwitz portrays a domestic interior in which a family gathers around a bedridden figure. The composition is confined to a modestly lit room, its walls softened by deep shadows that emphasize the quiet gravity of the moment. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

Subject & Meaning

At the foot of the bed a woman leans forward, her gaze directed toward the lying person, while a man stands to her left and another individual occupies a chair on the right. The arrangement suggests a scene of care and concern, the muted postures and restrained expressions conveying a shared sense of sorrow or contemplation within the household.

Technique & Style

Executed entirely in charcoal, the drawing relies on varied shading and textured strokes to model forms and suggest depth. The artist manipulates light and darkness to create a palpable atmosphere, using the medium’s capacity for subtle gradations to render the figures’ bodies and the surrounding space with a quiet, intimate realism.

History & Provenance

Käthe Kollwitz, a German artist noted for her socially engaged imagery, produced this work early in her career. After changing hands through private collections, the piece entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings, where it remains on display as an example of her early exploration of familial themes.

Context

The drawing aligns with Kollwitz’s broader oeuvre, which frequently addresses everyday struggles and emotional resilience. Its focus on a private domestic scene reflects the artist’s interest in the personal dimensions of hardship, a concern that would later expand to broader social commentary in her prints and sculptures.

Artist & collection

Artist

Käthe Kollwitz

Käthe Kollwitz (German pronunciation: born Schmidt; 8 July 1867 – 22 April 1945) was a German artist who worked with painting, printmaking (including etching, lithography and woodcuts) and sculpture.