Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Robert Riggs, ink, 1941
Untitled, by Robert Riggs, ink, 1941

Untitled is an ink print by Robert Riggs. It dates from 1941 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a 1941 lithograph by Robert Riggs, part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. The print depicts a chaotic scene of individuals in various poses within a dimly lit room.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph shows a group of people in disarray: some standing, others lying down, all in loose attire with twisted body positions. The atmosphere conveys chaos and disorder, heightened by the contrast between a window's faint light and the predominant darkness.

Technique & Style

Riggs employed bold lines and deep shadows to create a sense of tension and unease. The lithographic technique lends the work a distinctive visual quality, emphasizing the stark contrasts that underscore the scene's turmoil.

History & Provenance

Created in 1941, the work is currently held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art.

Context

While specific contextual inspirations are not detailed here, the work's themes of chaos and its visual execution reflect broader artistic explorations of turmoil during the early 1940s.

Legacy

The legacy of 'Untitled' is intertwined with its presence in MoMA's collection, contributing to the museum's holdings of mid-20th-century printmaking, though its broader impact or influence on subsequent artists is not explicitly outlined in the provided information.

Artist & collection

Artist

Robert Riggs

Robert Riggs (1896–1970) was an American artist.

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