Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an unspecified painting by the Abstract Expressionist artist Rico Lebrun. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1949 by American artist Rico Lebrun, this untitled work is classified as a landscape despite its focus on a solitary figure. Executed in enamel on canvas mounted on board, the painting belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Its muted palette and dense surface invite close inspection of the scene’s atmospheric qualities.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a lone individual standing beneath a broad, shield‑like umbrella. Wrapped in a heavy coat with the hood drawn up, the figure clutches a small object, while the face remains concealed in shadow. The dark, almost foreboding background and the solitary posture suggest themes of isolation and protection against an unseen environment.
Technique & Style
Lebrun applied enamel in thick, impasto layers, creating a tactile surface that appears scraped in places. The dominant hues of muted greens, grays, and browns are punctuated by a vivid red stripe on the coat’s sleeve, providing a focal contrast. The handling of paint emphasizes texture and depth, reinforcing the painting’s somber mood.
History & Provenance
The work was produced shortly after World War II, a period marked by Lebrun’s exploration of human vulnerability. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, where it has remained on view as part of the museum’s modern American painting collection.
Artist & collection
