Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Reg Butler, ink, 1952
Untitled, by Reg Butler, ink, 1952

Untitled is an ink print by Reg Butler. It dates from 1952 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Reg Butler's 1952 lithograph, titled 'Untitled', is a print work housed in The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Characterized by its distinctive figurative elements, the piece showcases the artist's exploration of form and color.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph depicts a figure with an elongated neck and head, bearing resemblance to both avian and insect forms. This blend of natural references imparts an otherworldly quality to the subject, inviting interpretation of its symbolic or metaphorical intent.

Technique & Style

Compositionally, the work contrasts a dark red and black figure against a lighter red background, accentuated by a horizontal white streak at the top. This chromatic interplay and the lithographic technique itself are hallmark elements of the piece's aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Created in 1952, the lithograph is part of Reg Butler's body of work from this period. Its current location is The Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the permanent collection.

Context

Within the broader context of early 1950s art, 'Untitled' reflects the era's experimental approaches to figuration and abstraction. As a lithograph, it also highlights the medium's versatility for artistic expression during this time.

Legacy

While specific influence of 'Untitled' is not broadly documented, it contributes to the understanding of Reg Butler's artistic trajectory and the evolution of lithography as a medium for expressive printmaking in the mid-20th century.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Reg Butler

Artist

Reg Butler

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…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.