Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Richard Lippold. It dates from 1972 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1972 by American artist Richard Lippold, this untitled drawing is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Executed with ink, gold ink on cloth, and pencil on paper, the work consists of a network of linear forms set against a light background.
Subject & Meaning
The composition features two elongated ovals positioned centrally, each filled with dense, intersecting lines that generate a web-like texture. In the four corners, compact star‑shaped clusters of tightly drawn strokes echo the central motifs, suggesting a balance between focal concentration and peripheral expansion.
Technique & Style
Lippold employs a combination of fine pencil work and ink application, varying line weight to create contrast. Gold ink is reserved for the central ovals, providing a luminous accent that distinguishes those areas from the surrounding monochrome hatching. The overall effect relies on cross‑hatching to build surface depth and visual rhythm.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced in the early 1970s, a period when Lippold was exploring abstract linear constructions across media. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation, where it remains in the drawing department.
Artist & collection
Artist
Richard Lippold was an American sculptor, known for his geometric constructions using wire as a medium.
