Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Maria Uhden. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1917, this untitled woodcut by Maria Uhden presents a stark black‑and‑white tableau. The composition centers on a cluster of animals—a sizable pig, a smaller piglet, and a bird perched on a branch—set against a night sky rendered with stars and a crescent moon. The work resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The image juxtaposes domestic fauna with celestial elements, suggesting a dialogue between the earthly and the cosmic. The presence of the pig and piglet evokes themes of nurture and continuity, while the bird and lunar backdrop introduce a sense of freedom and nocturnal mystery, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay of the mundane and the sublime.
Technique & Style
Executed as a woodcut, the piece relies on bold, carved lines that generate strong contrasts between inked black areas and the paper's white surface. The simplicity of the forms and the rhythmic carving of the animal figures convey movement, while the stark night sky demonstrates the artist’s skill in rendering atmospheric depth within the limits of the medium.
History & Provenance
Maria Uhden, active in the German Expressionist circle, produced this work near the end of her brief career. After her death, the print entered various private collections before being acquired by the Museum of Modern Art, where it has been displayed as part of exhibitions exploring early 20th‑century printmaking.
Artist & collection
