Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Karl Schrag. It dates from 1972 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
The title is written as *"Selfportrait with Waite Cap"*, which means this is a self-portrait.
This is a black-and-white portrait of a person wearing a flat cap. The face looks serious, with a slightly furrowed brow and a neutral expression. The background is dark and textured, making the face stand out.
The artist signed it "Karl Schrag, 1972" in the corner. The title is written as *"Selfportrait with Waite Cap"*, which means this is a self-portrait.
Next, check out etching to see how artists create prints like this.
Overview
Created in 1972, this black-and-white print by Karl Schrag combines aquatint and etching techniques to produce a restrained, tonal portrait. As a practicing printmaker and educator in the United States, Schrag was deeply engaged with the material possibilities of printmaking. The work is part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection, reflecting its recognition within institutional circles of mid-century American art.
Subject & Meaning
The image is a self-portrait depicting the artist wearing a flat cap, his face rendered with a calm but focused expression. The furrowed brow and direct gaze suggest introspection rather than narrative. By choosing to portray himself in this unadorned manner, Schrag emphasizes presence over performance, aligning the image with a quiet, personal tradition in self-representation rather than public persona.
Technique & Style
Schrag employed aquatint to achieve subtle gradations of gray across the dark, textured background, while etching defined the sharp contours of the face and cap. The contrast between the finely detailed features and the granular, atmospheric surround creates depth without reliance on line alone. The technique reflects his mastery of tonal control, a hallmark of his approach to printmaking in the postwar era.
History & Provenance
The print was made in 1972 and bears Schrag’s signature and date in the lower corner. It entered the collection of The Museum of Modern Art shortly after its creation, indicating early institutional interest in his work. Schrag’s consistent output across decades, particularly in print media, positioned him as a key figure in the American print revival, and this piece exemplifies his mature style.
Context
In the early 1970s, American printmaking was expanding beyond traditional boundaries, with artists exploring abstraction and personal expression. Schrag, active since the 1940s, remained committed to figurative work within this evolving landscape. His self-portrait reflects a quiet resistance to prevailing trends, favoring intimate observation over formal experimentation.
Legacy
Schrag’s contributions to printmaking education and technique influenced generations of artists. This self-portrait, though modest in scale, exemplifies his dedication to the craft’s tactile and tonal potential. It endures not as a dramatic statement but as a quiet testament to his lifelong engagement with the medium’s possibilities.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Schrag (December 7, 1912 – December 10, 1995) was an American printmaker and educator. He has been characterized by the National Gallery of Art as "among the most important printmakers in America during the 1950s".
