Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Reg Butler. It dates from 1954 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Reg Butler's 1954 lithograph, Untitled, is a black-and-white print featuring a figure viewed from the back, characterized by raised arms and a strong, muscular posture, yet devoid of facial detail.
Subject & Meaning
The figure's pose, suggestive of physical exertion or athletic gesture (reminiscent of boxing or weightlifting), contrasts with the anonymity provided by the blank, oval face, potentially exploring themes of identity, strength, or the everyday athlete.
Technique & Style
The lithograph exhibits thick, rough lines, blurred areas evoking smudged pencil marks, and jagged edges, indicating a possibly rapid or expressive execution. The printing technique allows for uneven ink distribution, contributing to a gritty, sketchy aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Created in 1954, Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, though specific details about its creation context or exhibition history prior to its acquisition are not provided here.
Context
Understanding the lithographic process can provide insight into the work's textured, uneven quality, a result of the medium's inherent characteristics.
Artist & collection
Artist
Reginald Cotterell Butler was an English sculptor. He was born at Bridgefoot House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire to Frederick William Butler (1880–1937) and Edith (1880–1969), daughter of blacksmith William Barltrop, of…
