Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a tempera drawing by Pavel Tchelitchew. It dates from 1922 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a tempera with glue size drawing created by Russian-born surrealist Pavel Tchelitchew around 1922, is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Characterized by its geometric composition and vivid, flat colors, the work depicts a fragmented interior space.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing portrays a disjointed room with everyday objects—a blue chair, red cushion, table with a simply rendered fish on a plate—amidst sharply angled, multicolored walls and floor. The juxtaposition of a naively drawn fish with the otherwise bold, geometric environment may suggest a blend of realism and surrealist experimentation.
Technique & Style
Tchelitchew employed tempera with glue size to achieve flat, vibrant colors and clean lines, resulting in a puzzle-like effect. The contrast between the detailed geometric forms and the childlike fish underscores the artist's eclectic stylistic approach.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1922, the work is now held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art. Tchelitchew's career later diversified into stage design, alongside his painting practice.
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.
