Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a photographic photography by Kate Campbell Muirhead. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a black‑and‑white photograph depicting a stone bust, mounted on a green backing card.
About this work
Overview
The work is a black‑and‑white photograph depicting a stone bust, mounted on a green backing card. The image presents a roughly carved head with a serious expression, pronounced lines around the eyes and mouth, short disheveled hair, and a substantial neck, all set upon a simple block that functions as a pedestal.
Subject & Meaning
The bust conveys a stark, unembellished portrayal of a human figure, emphasizing the texture of the stone and the gravity of the facial features. The severe expression and the tactile surface suggest an interest in the raw qualities of sculptural material rather than idealized representation.
Technique & Style
Captured in monochrome, the photograph employs even lighting that highlights the contours and surface marks of the stone. The composition is straightforward, with the bust centered against a plain background, allowing the viewer to focus on the sculptural form and its tactile details without distraction.
History & Provenance
The image was part of a collection donated by William Kineton Parkes in 1938. Parkes, noted for his writings on sculpture, circulated questionnaires to sculptors in the 1920s; this photograph was one of the responses he received. It now resides in the Archive of Art and Design.
Artist & collection
Artist
