Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Marie Laurencin. It dates from 1906 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1906, this pencil drawing presents a close‑up portrait of a young individual with short dark hair and a composed expression.
About this work
The signature in the corner reads *Marie Laurencin 1906*, marking it as a quick, expressive study.
This sketch shows a close-up face of a person with short, dark hair and a serious expression. The eyes are large and focused, while the mouth stays closed. The artist used only pencil strokes on paper, with no background or extra details.
The signature in the corner reads *Marie Laurencin 1906*, marking it as a quick, expressive study. The lines are loose but controlled, giving the face a gentle, almost dreamy feel.
Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with layered lines.
Overview
Created in 1906, this pencil drawing presents a close‑up portrait of a young individual with short dark hair and a composed expression. The work consists solely of graphite marks on paper, lacking any background or decorative elements, and is signed by the artist in the lower corner with the date.
Subject & Meaning
The figure’s large, attentive eyes and closed mouth convey a quiet introspection, while the overall rendering suggests a fleeting study of character rather than a finished narrative composition. The simplicity of the pose invites viewers to focus on the subtle nuances of facial expression.
Technique & Style
Laurencin employs loose yet deliberate graphite strokes, building form through layered cross‑hatching that creates soft shadows and a gentle modeling of the face. The drawing balances spontaneity with control, characteristic of early 20th‑century avant‑garde sketches that explore line and tonal variation without reliance on color.
History & Provenance
The piece belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. It reflects the early period of Marie Laurencin’s career, before she became widely associated with the Cubist circles of the Section d’Or in Paris, offering insight into her formative artistic practice.
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.
