Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a crayon drawing by Paul Cadmus. It dates from 1946 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1946, this untitled drawing by Paul Cadmus consists of white crayon marks on a dark background. The composition features an assortment of seashells and feathers arranged in an apparently spontaneous manner, with some elements overlapping. The artist’s signature appears at the lower edge, confirming authorship. The work is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing presents a close study of natural forms, emphasizing the contrasting textures of shells and feathers. By isolating these objects from any narrative context, Cadmus invites viewers to consider the formal qualities of line and surface, while the juxtaposition of marine and avian motifs suggests a subtle dialogue between different realms of the natural world.
Technique & Style
The stark monochrome palette aligns with his broader interest in precise, almost photographic rendering within a simplified, magical‑realist framework.
Executed with white wax crayon on black paper, the piece exploits the high tonal contrast to render fine detail. Cadmus’s hand‑drawn lines capture the intricate ridges of shells and the delicate barbs of feathers, demonstrating his meticulous approach. The stark monochrome palette aligns with his broader interest in precise, almost photographic rendering within a simplified, magical‑realist framework.
History & Provenance
After its completion in the post‑World‑II period, the drawing entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on view. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in documenting Cadmus’s diverse output beyond his more widely known tempera paintings, highlighting his experimental use of drawing media during the mid‑1940s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Cadmus (December 17, 1904 – December 12, 1999) was an American artist widely known for his egg tempera paintings of gritty social interactions in urban settings.
