Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Robert Longo. It dates from 1985 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Robert Longo’s untitled lithograph, produced in 1985, is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Executed in black and white, the print presents a solitary figure in a white shirt and dark trousers, his head thrown back and a tightly drawn noose encircling his neck. The stark composition and limited palette draw immediate attention to the tension of the scene.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a man whose posture and clenched hands convey a palpable sense of distress. The noose, rendered with crisp contrast against an unadorned background, becomes the focal point, suggesting themes of confinement, vulnerability, and psychological pressure. The work invites viewers to contemplate the emotional weight carried by the figure.
Technique & Style
Created through lithography, the piece relies on the traditional stone‑or metal‑plate process that allows for fine tonal variation and sharp line work. Longo’s use of stark chiaroscuro and precise rendering highlights the medium’s capacity for detailed, high‑contrast imagery, reinforcing the work’s dramatic intensity.
History & Provenance
The lithograph was completed in 1985 and subsequently entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in contemporary printmaking practices and the artist’s rising prominence during the 1980s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Robert Longo is an American artist, filmmaker, photographer and musician. Longo became first well known in the 1980s for his Men in the Cities drawing and print series, which depict sharply dressed men and women…
