Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a print by Margaret Burroughs. It dates from 1957 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created circa 1957, this black‑and‑white linoleum cut presents a solitary figure poised in shallow water, clutching a spear.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1957, this black‑and‑white linoleum cut presents a solitary figure poised in shallow water, clutching a spear. Above the figure, abstract winged forms hover, while beneath, intertwined vines and fish create a dynamic undercurrent. The composition relies on stark contrasts and sharply incised lines that give the surface a textured, wood‑cut appearance.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, rendered with a strong, upright stance, suggests resilience or guardianship, reinforced by the spear as a symbol of defense. The surrounding winged motifs may allude to spiritual or aspirational elements, whereas the tangled aquatic flora and fauna introduce a sense of natural complexity, hinting at a dialogue between humanity and the environment.
Technique & Style
Burroughs employed the linoleum cut method, carving away negative space from a linoleum block and inking the remaining raised surfaces. This process yields bold, clean edges and a tactile surface quality. The work’s graphic intensity and simplified forms align with mid‑century modernist printmaking, emphasizing contrast and abstraction over realistic detail.
History & Provenance
Margaret Burroughs, a Chicago‑based artist, writer, and cultural organizer, produced the piece during a period of heightened engagement with African‑American heritage. The print later entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, reflecting institutional recognition of Burroughs’s contributions to American printmaking and her role in founding the DuSable Museum of African American History.
Artist & collection
Artist
Margaret Taylor-Burroughs (November 1, 1915 – November 21, 2010), also known as Margaret Taylor Goss, Margaret Taylor Goss Burroughs or Margaret T G Burroughs, was an American visual artist, writer, poet, educator, and arts organizer.
