Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Nicolas Remisoff, gouache, 1922
Untitled, by Nicolas Remisoff, gouache, 1922

Untitled is a gouache drawing by Nicolas Remisoff. It dates from 1922 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1922 drawing by Nicolas Remisoff, combines ink, gouache, and pencil on paper to present two juxtaposed scenes. The work contrasts a disciplined military group with a diverse, everyday gathering.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing's dual scenes may symbolize the artist's experiences bridging pre-Revolutionary Russia and his later life in America. The top scene's uniformed soldiers evoke military order, while the bottom scene's varied figures suggest civilian life and individuality.

Technique & Style

Remisoff employed a mix of media to achieve bold lines, expressive shading, and texture. The contrast between the precise ink lines and the softer gouache and pencil work adds depth to the composition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1922 by Nicolas Remisoff (born Nikolai Vladimirovich Remizov in 1887, Saint Petersburg), this work reflects the artist's background in satirical cartooning for Russian magazines *Strekoza* and *Satirikon* before his career in American cinema.

Context

Remisoff's *Untitled* draws from his dual identity as a Russian émigré and American artist. The piece may allude to the societal shifts he witnessed, from the structured military life of pre-Revolution Russia to the diverse, everyday life in America.

Legacy

As a piece by an artist known for political cartoons and film art direction, *Untitled* highlights Remisoff's versatility. However, its specific impact or prominence within his overall body of work is not widely documented.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Nicolas Remisoff

Artist

Nicolas Remisoff

Nikolai Vladimirovich Remizov (Russian: Никола́й Влади́мирович Ре́мизов; 20 May 1887 in Saint-Petersburg – 4 August 1975 in Riverside County), also known as Nicolai Remisoff, was a Russian and American artist, political…

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