Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Pablo Picasso, graphite, 1955
Untitled, by Pablo Picasso, graphite, 1955

Untitled is a graphite drawing by Pablo Picasso. It dates from 1955 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a 1955 pencil drawing on paper by Pablo Picasso, characteristic of his prolific mid-20th century output.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing is a profile portrait of a man wearing a hat and mustache, looking downward. The subject's expression and identity are not explicitly defined, leaving interpretation open.

Technique & Style

Executed with quick, gestural lines, the work showcases Picasso's expressive simplicity. Surrounding scribbled text and numbers, though indistinct, add to the piece's spontaneous, exploratory feel.

History & Provenance

Created in 1955, the work falls within Picasso's established period as a modern art leader, following his pioneering work in Cubism and ongoing stylistic experimentation.

Context

The tan paper with a rough top edge suggests a potentially informal or sketchbook origin, reflecting Picasso's continuous creative output across various mediums and formats.

Legacy

As part of Picasso's vast oeuvre, 'Untitled' contributes to the broader understanding of his drawing techniques and thematic explorations during the mid-20th century.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Pablo Picasso

Artist

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Ruiz Picasso (25 October 1881 – 8 April 1973) was a Spanish painter and sculptor who spent most of his adult life in France.

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