Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Oskar Kokoschka. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1919, this lithographic portrait by Oskar Kokoschka presents an unnamed sitter rendered in stark black and white. The work resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is catalogued as an untitled print. Its composition centers on a single face, conveyed through rapid, gestural lines that emphasize immediacy over precise detail.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a human head whose features are intentionally vague, allowing the viewer to focus on the emotional tenor rather than a specific identity. The upward‑rightward glance of the eyes suggests a moment of introspection or anticipation, while the overall ambiguity invites interpretation of inner states rather than a literal likeness.
Technique & Style
Executed as a lithograph, the piece relies on bold, sweeping strokes and stark contrasts between line and shadow. Kokoschka’s hand is evident in the visible, energetic marks, reflecting a quick, expressive approach typical of his early post‑war work. The lack of fine modeling and the emphasis on gesture create a sense of movement and spontaneity within the static medium.
History & Provenance
The print was produced shortly after World War I, a period when Kokoschka explored more direct, emotionally charged graphic media. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s representation of early 20th‑century European printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Oskar Kokoschka was an Austrian artist, poet, playwright and teacher, best known for his intense expressionistic portraits and landscapes, as well as his theories on vision that influenced the Viennese Expressionist movement.
