Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Le Corbusier, crayon, 1923
Untitled, by Le Corbusier, crayon, 1923

Untitled is a crayon drawing by Le Corbusier. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1923 drawing by Le Corbusier, is a Conté crayon on paper work housed at The Museum of Modern Art. Characterized by sharp lines and unconventional forms, it juxtaposes recognizable furniture elements with abstract, floating shapes.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing combines mundane objects (chairs, tables, lamps) with non-representational, ambiguous forms, creating a sense of playful disorientation. This juxtaposition blurs the line between the everyday and the abstract.

Technique & Style

Executed in black Conté crayon on a light background, the work features clean, precise lines devoid of shading or color, evoking a sense of architectural drafting. The soft crayon's texture suggests a rapid, spontaneous execution.

History & Provenance

Created in 1923, the work is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.

Context

While the artwork's specific inspirations are not detailed here, its blend of functional and abstract elements reflects the early 20th-century avant-garde's experimentation with form and space.

Legacy

The work's influence or reception over time is not specified in the provided information, though it remains part of MoMA's holdings, contributing to the museum's collection of early 20th-century artistic experiments.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Le Corbusier

Artist

Le Corbusier

Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, known as Le Corbusier, was a French-Swiss architectural designer, painter, urban planner and writer who was one of the pioneers of what is now regarded as modern architecture.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.