Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Maria Bonomi. It dates from 1956 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1956, this untitled woodcut by Maria Bonomi is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art. The composition is dominated by stark black forms set against a pale field, centered around a large oval from which radiating lines emerge. Below, thick horizontal bands intersect a fragmented, grid‑like pattern, while the paper’s edges retain a worn, tactile quality.
Technique & Style
Bonomi employed the traditional woodcut method, carving the design into a wooden block and printing the raised surfaces onto paper. This process yields the crisp, high‑contrast lines and the uneven, slightly rough texture evident along the margins. The bold, geometric shapes and the stark chiaroscuro are characteristic of mid‑century printmaking that emphasizes directness of hand and materiality.
Subject & Meaning
The work presents an abstract arrangement of geometric elements rather than a representational scene. The central oval with its fanning lines may suggest a focal point of energy or motion, while the intersecting bars and fragmented grid introduce tension and disruption, inviting viewers to contemplate balance between order and chaos within a purely visual language.
History & Provenance
Maria Bonomi produced this piece in the post‑war period, a time when many artists explored print media for its accessibility and expressive potential. The print entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings through acquisition in the latter half of the twentieth century, where it has remained part of the institution’s modern print collection.
Artist & collection
