Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a crayon drawing by Ludwig Meidner. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1923, this untitled drawing by Ludwig Meidner resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Executed solely with crayon on paper, the work presents a solitary male figure rendered in a rapid, gestural manner. The composition is compact, focusing attention on the figure’s expressive pose and the immediacy of the line work.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a man whose face bears a solemn expression, his hand lifted as though caught in the midst of a gesture. The disheveled hair and slightly rumpled shirt suggest a moment of agitation or contemplation, inviting viewers to infer a narrative of inner tension or decisive action.
Technique & Style
Meidner employed crayon to produce a range of marks, from bold, heavy strokes to faint, delicate lines. The overall effect is loose and sketch‑like, conveying a sense of urgency. The uneven texture and spontaneous application emphasize the artist’s rapid handling of the medium, reinforcing the work’s raw, unrefined character.
History & Provenance
The piece was completed in the early 1920s, a period marked by Meidner’s exploration of expressive drawing. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings through acquisition, where it has been catalogued as an example of the artist’s experimental use of drawing materials during that era.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ludwig Meidner was a German expressionist painter and printmaker born in Bernstadt, Silesia.
