Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Max Kaus in 1926.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Untitled by Max Kaus (1926) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1926, this untitled print by German artist Max Kaus combines drypoint and aquatint to depict a pair of leopards in close proximity. The work belongs to the Museum of Modern Art’s collection and exemplifies Kaus’s involvement in the second wave of German Expressionism, a period marked by intensified emotional expression through graphic media.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents two leopards reclined against a muted backdrop; one animal curls inward, its back turned, while the other gazes outward, inviting the viewer’s attention. The juxtaposition of the creatures and the stark contrast of their dark spots against lighter tones suggest themes of intimacy, vigilance, and the tension between concealment and exposure.

Technique & Style

Kaus employed drypoint, incising lines directly into a metal plate, which yields a characteristic burr that produces a grainy, sketch‑like quality in the final print. Aquatint was added to achieve tonal washes, softening the background and enhancing the contrast between fur and space. The resulting texture conveys a rough, tactile sense of the animals’ coats.

History & Provenance

After its production in the mid‑1920s, the print entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings, where it remains on view. Kaus, who later taught and administered at West Berlin’s Academy for Visual Arts, contributed this work during a prolific period of his graphic output, reflecting his engagement with modern printmaking methods.

Context

The piece aligns with the broader tendencies of German Expressionist graphic art, which favored bold lines, stark contrasts, and emotive subject matter. By focusing on animal forms rather than human figures, Kaus expands the movement’s visual vocabulary while maintaining its emphasis on psychological intensity and dynamic composition.