Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Karl Hofer. It dates from 1928 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1928, this pencil drawing by German artist Karl Hofer is catalogued as Untitled and belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Executed with simple graphite on paper, the work measures a modest size and presents a spontaneous, unpolished study rather than a finished composition.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts two figures reclining in a relaxed posture. One figure supports a head with a hand, while the other lies fully extended, arms tucked behind the head. The lack of facial detail and the loose rendering suggest an intimate, private moment captured in a fleeting gesture, inviting viewers to contemplate the quiet stillness of everyday repose.
Technique & Style
Hofer employs a single graphite medium, varying pressure to achieve a range of tonal values. The drawing is characterized by swift, gestural lines and occasional areas of heavier shading, creating contrast without elaborate cross‑hatching. The overall effect is that of a rapid sketch, emphasizing form and movement over precise representation.
History & Provenance
The work dates to the late 1920s, a period when Hofer was exploring more informal drawing practices alongside his larger paintings. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, where it has been retained as part of the institution’s holdings of early modern European art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Christian Ludwig Hofer or Carl Hofer was a German expressionist painter. He was director of the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts.
