Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Richard Lippold, graphite, 1958
Untitled, by Richard Lippold, graphite, 1958

Untitled is a graphite drawing by Richard Lippold. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a 1958 drawing by Richard Lippold, executed in pencil and ink on paper, and part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. It features a large square composed of smaller squares arranged in a non-uniform pattern, with some squares overlapping or adjacent to one another.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Untitled is a geometric composition exploring spatial relationships and pattern. The arrangement of squares, while appearing random, investigates balance and harmony within a structured format.

Technique & Style

Lippold employed a minimalist approach, utilizing simple lines and shapes. The combination of pencil and ink on paper introduces textural depth, contrasting the straightforwardness of the geometric forms.

History & Provenance

Created in 1958, Untitled is characteristic of Lippold's lesser-known two-dimensional work, contrasting with his more prominent sculptural and installation oeuvre. The piece has been held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art since its acquisition.

Context

While Lippold is predominantly recognized for sculpture and installation, Untitled reflects the broader mid-20th-century interest in geometric abstraction and the exploration of minimalism across artistic mediums.

Legacy

Untitled contributes to the understanding of Lippold's versatility, demonstrating his ability to apply principles of spatial complexity and minimal aesthetics to a two-dimensional medium, alongside his three-dimensional works.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Richard Lippold

Artist

Richard Lippold

Richard Lippold was an American sculptor, known for his geometric constructions using wire as a medium.

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