Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor drawing by Marie Laurencin. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1917 drawing by Marie Laurencin, combines watercolor, pencil, and crayon on paper. It exemplifies her engagement with the experimental practices of early 20th-century modern art, particularly within the Cubist-associated Section d'Or movement in Paris.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts a serene woman's profile, distinguished by dark, curly hair and a blue bird on her shoulder. The composition's calmness and the bird's vibrancy may symbolize the harmony between nature and the human form, inviting contemplation on the beauty of understated elegance.
Technique & Style
Laurencin's use of watercolor and crayon achieves a delicate, fragile quality, while pencil details add subtlety. The soft, gentle lines of the woman's face and the loose, flowing curls of her hair contribute to an overall sense of quiet refinement.
History & Provenance
Created in 1917, the piece is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting Laurencin's significance within the Parisian avant-garde of her time.
Context
Within the broader context of early 20th-century modern art, this work reflects the Cubist emphasis on experimentation, though Laurencin's style often incorporated more figurative and expressive elements than the geometric abstraction typical of Cubism.
Artist & collection
Artist
Marie Laurencin (31 October 1883 – 8 June 1956) was a French painter and printmaker. She became an important figure in the Parisian avant-garde as a member of the Cubists associated with the Section d'Or.
