Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Patrick Procktor. It dates from 1969 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1969, this untitled work by British artist Patrick Procktor is an etching combined with aquatint, a printmaking technique that allows for subtle tonal variation. The piece is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts an interior space where a figure reclines on a blue sofa, wrapped in a vivid orange robe. A second figure, dressed in dark clothing, stands nearby, while a potted plant occupies the floor. Beyond the windows, a muted city skyline stretches beneath a pale sky, its softened blues lending a tranquil atmosphere to the scene.
Technique & Style
Procktor employed the etching process to outline forms, then applied aquatint to achieve delicate washes of blue that dissolve the urban backdrop. The contrast between the warm orange garment and the cool surrounding tones is heightened by the print’s layered ink applications, creating depth without relying on line alone.
History & Provenance
Since its creation, the print has remained in the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings, where it has been displayed in exhibitions focusing on mid‑twentieth‑century British printmaking. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in showcasing the cross‑cultural dialogue between British and American contemporary art of the period.
Artist & collection
