Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Raúl Anguiano Luis Arenal. It dates from 1939 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1939, this untitled lithograph and letterpress work is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Executed by Mexican artist Raúl Anguiano in collaboration with Luis Arenal, the piece employs print techniques to convey a politically charged scene that reflects contemporary concerns about fascism.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts two skeletal figures clad in German military helmets, each brandishing a weapon—a rifle and a sword—against a backdrop of a burning city. The stark symbolism of skulls and the caption “El Fascismo” serve as a visual warning about the lethal consequences of fascist ideology, while fleeing figures in the distance underscore societal turmoil.
Technique & Style
Combining lithography with letterpress, the artists achieved bold contrasts and sharp lines that heighten the graphic intensity of the composition. The use of stark black-and-white imagery, typical of political prints of the era, reinforces the urgency of the message and allows the work to function both as art and as a propagandistic poster.
History & Provenance
The print was produced as a promotional flyer for a public lecture on German fascism held at a Mexican palace, an event broadcast free of charge on two radio stations. Its distribution illustrates the collaborative role of visual art and mass media in 1930s political discourse. The work entered MoMA’s collection in the mid‑20th century, where it remains on view.
Context
Emerging at a time when Mexico was actively engaging with global political currents, the piece reflects the nation’s anti‑fascist stance during the pre‑World War II period. The collaboration between Anguiano and Arenal, both known for socially engaged art, aligns the work with broader left‑leaning artistic movements that used print media to mobilize public opinion.
Artist & collection
