Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a tempera drawing by Morris Graves. It dates from 1938 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, created by Morris Graves in 1938, is a tempera and watercolor drawing on mulberry paper. Characterized by a dreamlike quality, it features a dark, shadowy figure with avian attributes set against a muted, greenish-brown background framed by a thin yellow border.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a figure with a bird’s head and body, its face obscured by pale, web-like lines resembling feathers or hair. This imagery aligns with Graves’ use of symbolic motifs, such as birds, to explore themes of consciousness and personal iconography intertwined with nature.
Technique & Style
Graves employed a mixed technique of thin, sketchy strokes alongside solid shapes. The contrast between the sharp, dark beak and the fuzzy, pale head exemplifies his blending of Asian aesthetics with the subdued tones of the Pacific Northwest, reflective of the Northwest School’s influence.
History & Provenance
Created in 1938, the work is now part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection, reflecting its significance within Graves’ oeuvre and the broader artistic movements of the time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Morris Cole Graves (August 28, 1910 – May 5, 2001) was an American painter. He was one of the earliest Modern artists from the Pacific Northwest to achieve national and international acclaim. His style, referred to by…
