Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Karl Hofer. It dates from 1948 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1948, this pencil drawing by German painter Karl Hofer depicts a reclining nude figure. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is displayed as an example of post‑war drawing practice.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows a woman lying on her side, her head supported by a bent right arm and her eyes closed in a tranquil pose. The soft, closed‑eyed expression and gentle curvature of the body convey a sense of quiet introspection and intimate repose.
Technique & Style
Executed entirely in graphite, the drawing relies on delicate, flowing lines to model the figure’s contours against a light beige ground. The subtle gradations of tone create a muted contrast between the darker silhouette and the pale background, emphasizing the softness of flesh and the calm atmosphere.
History & Provenance
The piece dates to the late 1940s, a period when Hofer returned to figurative work after years of abstraction. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, where it remains part of the institution’s drawing collection.
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.
