Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Percy Deane. It dates from 1941 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1941 pencil drawing by Percy Deane depicts two figures in an intimate embrace, their faces nearly touching. Executed on translucent paper, the work reveals the artist’s confident, unrevised line work, capturing a moment of tenderness. Created when Deane was twenty, the drawing remains part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing centers on a quiet, close encounter between two individuals, their expressions suggesting intimacy rather than passion. The closed eyes and gentle proximity evoke a sense of shared vulnerability or affection. The absence of contextual details directs focus to the emotional weight of the moment, rather than narrative or identity.
Technique & Style
Deane’s technique relies on assured, uninterrupted pencil strokes, with no visible corrections. The translucency of the paper allows light to enhance the delicate marks, while subtle cross-hatching builds texture, particularly in rendering skin. The loose yet deliberate lines convey both spontaneity and control, characteristic of his early draftsmanship.
History & Provenance
Completed in 1941, the drawing was created shortly before Deane’s permanent departure from Brazil. Its thin, fragile paper suggests an informal or preparatory nature, though it entered the collection of The Museum of Modern Art. The work’s early date and the artist’s youth at the time of execution contribute to its significance as a document of his formative years.
Context
Produced during a period of personal transition for the artist, the drawing reflects Deane’s early exploration of human connection. Its informal execution and intimate subject matter contrast with more polished or public works of the era. The choice of fragile paper may indicate a private or experimental piece, rather than one intended for exhibition.
Artist & collection
