Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a charcoal drawing by Nicole Eisenman. It dates from 2002 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
The figure stands with her left hand on her hip and looks toward the left, presenting a composed, self‑assured stance.
Created in 2002, this drawing by Nicole Eisenman combines charcoal, graphite pencil, and metallic paint on paper. The work depicts a nude female figure from the knees upward, positioned against an unadorned white background. The figure stands with her left hand on her hip and looks toward the left, presenting a composed, self‑assured stance. The piece belongs to the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a nude woman rendered with a focus on posture and gaze. Her hand on the hip and direct glance suggest confidence and a poised self‑presentation. By isolating the body against a plain field, Eisenman emphasizes the human form as an autonomous subject, inviting contemplation of presence, identity, and the quiet authority of the figure.
Technique & Style
Eisenman employs charcoal and pencil to model the flesh, achieving subtle tonal variations that convey both volume and intimacy. Metallic paint is applied sparingly to accentuate shadows and introduce a reflective quality, adding a layer of refinement to the otherwise monochrome surface. The combination of drawing media creates a tactile contrast between the soft graphite lines and the glint of metallic sheen.
History & Provenance
The work was produced during a period when Eisenman was gaining recognition for revitalizing figurative representation in contemporary art. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, where it remains on view. Eisenman, a French‑born artist now based in Brooklyn, has been honored with both a Guggenheim Fellowship and a MacArthur Fellowship for her contributions to modern figurative practice.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nicole Eisenman (born 1965) is a French-born American artist known for her oil paintings and sculptures.
