Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Rockwell Kent in 1931.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Artwork

Untitled

Rockwell Kent , 1931

Untitled is an ink print by Rockwell Kent. It dates from 1931 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1931, this wood engraving by Rockwell Kent is an untitled work held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Executed entirely in black ink on paper, the image presents a stark, high‑contrast composition that relies on line and tone to convey its dramatic scene.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a man suspended on a cross, his body contorted and his head thrown back, suggesting intense suffering. Radiating lines fan out behind him, evoking either a burst of light or flame, while the lower portion is filled with jagged, wave‑like forms that resemble rocks or turbulent water, intensifying the sense of turmoil.

Technique & Style

Kent employed the traditional wood engraving process, carving fine incisions into a block of wood before inking and pressing it onto paper. The resulting marks are crisp and precise, producing deep shadows and a textured surface. The artist’s control of line weight and direction creates a sense of depth and movement despite the medium’s limited palette.

History & Provenance

The print was produced during a prolific period for Kent, when he explored both landscape and figurative subjects through printmaking. After its creation, the work entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, where it has been displayed as part of the institution’s holdings of early 20th‑century American prints.

Context

In the early 1930s, Kent’s prints often reflected a fascination with stark, elemental forms and a concern for human endurance amid harsh environments. This engraving aligns with those themes, using a biblical motif to explore broader ideas of suffering and resilience within a modernist visual language.