Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Nikolai Sedelnikov, gouache, 1930
Untitled, by Nikolai Sedelnikov, gouache, 1930

Untitled is a gouache drawing by Nikolai Sedelnikov. It dates from 1930 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a mixed-media drawing by Nikolai Sedelnikov, dating circa 1930, composed of cut-and-pasted printed paper, gouache, ink, and pencil on printed paper, currently in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art.

Subject & Meaning

The work features a disparate collage of images, including a cat's head adorned with a military hat, a group in formal attire, and a figure in military uniform. Scattered Russian text elements add to the complex, potentially satirical, narrative.

Technique & Style

Sedelnikov employed a distinctive technique, incorporating newspaper clippings and printed materials to create textured, layered backgrounds in orange, blue, and beige tones, juxtaposed with gouache, ink, and pencil additions.

History & Provenance

Created around 1930, the piece is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.

Context

The use of military imagery and formal attire, set against everyday printed materials, may reflect societal commentary, though the exact context of its creation is not elaborated upon in available information.

Legacy

While the broader impact of this specific work is not detailed, it contributes to the understanding of Sedelnikov's experimentation with collage and mixed media in the early 20th century.

Artist & collection

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