Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a gouache drawing by Pavel Tchelitchew. It dates from 1928 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created circa 1928, this gouache drawing on paper mounted to board presents a solitary figure seated in a chair.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1928, this gouache drawing on paper mounted to board presents a solitary figure seated in a chair. The subject, clothed in a dark jacket and scarf, is rendered with blurred facial features and clasped hands, set against a dim, muted background that hints at subtle color variations.
Subject & Meaning
The composition conveys a quiet introspection; the man's relaxed posture and the soft tonal palette suggest a moment of contemplation. The indistinct facial details focus attention on the overall mood rather than individual identity, inviting viewers to consider the inner state of the figure.
Technique & Style
Tchelitchew employed gouache, a water‑based opaque medium, to achieve a velvety surface and layered texture on the paper support. The application balances delicate washes with more concentrated pigment, creating depth while maintaining the flatness characteristic of early surrealist drawing.
History & Provenance
The work belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Pavel Tchelitchew, a Russian‑born artist active in painting and stage design, contributed to the surrealist movement in the 1920s, and this piece exemplifies his interdisciplinary practice during that period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pavel Fyodorovich Tchelitchew ( Che-LIT-chev; Russian: Па́вел Фёдорович Чели́щев) (3 October 1898 – 31 July 1957) was a Russian-born surrealist painter, set designer and costume designer.
