Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Martin Lewis. It dates from 1929 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1929 drypoint by Martin Lewis, is a black-and-white print depicting a nocturnal urban scene. A woman stands on a balcony, holding a long pole, with clotheslines spanning the space. Below, a city street and distant buildings, including a tall spire, are faintly illuminated.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a solitary woman on a balcony at night, engaged in a mundane task, juxtaposed with the vast, seemingly empty cityscape below. This contrast may evoke themes of isolation, daily life, and the relationship between individual and urban environment.
Technique & Style
Lewis employed drypoint to achieve sharp lines and deep, expressive shadows, crafting a quiet, almost eerie atmosphere. The interplay of light and darkness emphasizes the scene's contemplative mood.
History & Provenance
Created in 1929, the work is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Context
The piece reflects the urban experience of the late 1920s, with its depiction of city infrastructure (power lines, buildings) and the coexistence of solitude and bustling urban life.
Artist & collection
