Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Richard Hamilton. It dates from 1966 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1966, this drawing by English artist Richard Hamilton combines crayon, ink and pencil on a sheet of transparentized paper. The work, titled Untitled, is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection and exemplifies Hamilton’s practice of merging graphic simplicity with the visual language of popular culture.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a single, vivid rainbow that arches across the upper field, its bands fading from red at the apex to blue near the lower edge. Beneath the arc lies a flat, dark shape that suggests a horizon or body of water, grounding the luminous curve in a minimalist landscape.
Technique & Style
Hamilton’s use of transparentized paper allows the crayon’s color to appear soft and luminous, while ink outlines define the rainbow’s layers and the lower form. Pencil adds subtle shading, giving the drawing a sketch‑like immediacy that balances spontaneity with deliberate planning.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced during a prolific period for Hamilton, who had already gained recognition for works such as Just what is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing? (1956). After its creation, Untitled entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on display.
Context
Hamilton is frequently identified as an early figure in the Pop art movement, noted for incorporating everyday visual motifs into fine art. This drawing reflects that approach, using a universally recognizable symbol—the rainbow—to explore color, form, and the intersection of the ordinary with artistic abstraction.
Artist & collection
Artist
Richard William Hamilton (24 February 1922 – 13 September 2011) was an English painter and collage artist.
![TiT [This is Tomorrow], by Richard Hamilton](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/richard-hamilton--tit-this-is-tomorrow--87ce6150b42452c8-w320.webp)
