Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Marc Chagall. It dates from 1952 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1952, this untitled lithograph by Marc Chagall belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Executed in the print medium of lithography, the work measures a modest size and exemplifies Chagall’s continued interest in symbolic, dream‑like imagery during his later career.
Subject & Meaning
The composition features a solitary bird perched on a branch, gazing leftward, while a handful of fish drift beneath a dark, rippling surface. A slender crescent moon occupies the upper right corner, and faint, ambiguous shapes in the background suggest additional figures—perhaps people or animals—adding a layer of narrative mystery.
Technique & Style
Chagall employs a loose, sketch‑like line that resembles rapid pencil strokes, giving the print a spontaneous, almost scribbled quality. The lithographic process leaves the edges slightly irregular, a characteristic of the medium that enhances the work’s informal, hand‑drawn appearance.
History & Provenance
The lithograph entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings after its acquisition in the mid‑20th century, reflecting MoMA’s commitment to documenting Chagall’s printmaking output. Its provenance remains straightforward, with no recorded changes of ownership prior to its museum accession.
Artist & collection
Artist
Marc Chagall was a Russian and French artist of Jewish ancestry. An early modernist, he was associated with the École de Paris, as well as several major artistic styles and created works in a wide range of artistic…
