Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a print by Moissey Kogan. It dates from 1928 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1928, this untitled linoleum cut by Moissey Kogan is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The work presents a stark black‑and‑white image that emphasizes form through contrast and simplified composition.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a seated nude woman, her posture composed of a relaxed arm on the knee and a hand placed near the chest. The figure’s smooth contours and solid shadows convey a sense of quiet strength, while the sparse background keeps attention on the body’s geometry.
Technique & Style
Kogan employed a linoleum block printing method, carving the design into a sheet of linoleum and then pressing ink onto paper. The resulting crisp edges and bold tonal areas highlight the artist’s interest in reducing the human form to essential lines and planes.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced in the late 1920s, a period when Kogan was active in European avant‑garde circles. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains on view as an example of early 20th‑century printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Moissey Kogan was a Bessarabian Jewish medalist, sculptor and graphic artist who spent much of his time in Paris and travelled throughout Europe.
