Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Massimo Campigli, ink, 1951
Untitled, by Massimo Campigli, ink, 1951

Untitled is an ink print by Massimo Campigli. It dates from 1951 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Massimo Campigli’s 1951 lithograph, titled Untitled, presents a modest genre scene that is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Executed as a print rather than a hand‑drawn work, the piece measures a modest scale and exemplifies the artist’s interest in simplified human figures within everyday settings.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a solitary figure positioned within a window frame, rendered with a flat, stylized face and oversized eyes. The figure holds a small object in one hand, wears a loose dark shirt and a patterned skirt, and stands barefoot on a yellow‑toned floor. The composition suggests a quiet, introspective moment, inviting contemplation of domestic space and personal presence.

Technique & Style

Created through lithography, the work was produced by drawing on a smooth limestone surface and transferring ink to paper, a process that yields a slightly rough, sketch‑like quality. Campigli’s line work is deliberately unrefined, preserving the immediacy of a hand‑drawn gesture while benefiting from the reproducibility of printmaking.

History & Provenance

Since its creation in 1951, the lithograph has remained in the public domain of modern art, ultimately entering the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Its inclusion in MoMA’s holdings reflects the institution’s commitment to documenting mid‑century print practices and the broader oeuvre of Campigli.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Massimo Campigli

Artist

Massimo Campigli

Massimo Campigli was an Italian painter and journalist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.