Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Martin Lewis in 1927.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Artwork

Untitled

Martin Lewis , 1927

Untitled is an ink print by Martin Lewis. It dates from 1927 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

The composition is rendered in stark black and white, emphasizing the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of the scene.

Martin Lewis’s 1927 dry‑point print, untitled, presents a solitary figure strolling along a nocturnal waterfront. Darkened structures loom in the background, punctuated by a handful of illuminated windows, while a large vessel rests at the dock beneath a lattice of cables and a bridge. The composition is rendered in stark black and white, emphasizing the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The lone pedestrian, set against the muted urban nightscape, suggests themes of isolation and introspection within a bustling port environment. The subdued lighting and the presence of the massive ship convey a sense of scale and the passage of time, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between the individual and the industrial world surrounding them.

Technique & Style

Lewis employed the dry‑point method, incising lines directly into a metal plate with a sharp needle. This process creates a characteristic burr that yields rich, velvety blacks and a slightly rough, sketch‑like surface. The artist’s use of sharp contours and deep shadows enhances the moody tone, while the tactile quality of the print distinguishes it from smoother intaglio techniques.

History & Provenance

Created in 1927, the untitled work entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s print holdings. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s early interest in modern printmaking practices and the broader recognition of Lewis’s contributions to the medium during the interwar period.