Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Romare Bearden. It dates from 1973 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Romare Bearden's 1973 lithograph, *Untitled*, is a print work characteristic of his diverse practice, which spanned painting, collage, and printmaking. Created during his later career, it reflects his ongoing experimentation with multiple mediums.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph depicts a domestic scene with a man and woman. The man, dressed in a black jacket over a red shirt, holds a bottle, while the woman, in a red dress, grasps a white cloth. The interaction or context between the figures is left ambiguous, inviting interpretation.
Technique & Style
Executed in an abstract and expressive style, the work features a dominant green background, with partially obscured secondary objects. Bearden's use of bold, expressive forms and vibrant colors (notably the contrasting reds) underscores the emotive quality of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created in 1973, *Untitled* is part of Bearden's post-World War II artistic evolution, a period marked by his return to Europe in 1950 and a deepening engagement with social themes in his work. Specific provenance details for this piece are not provided.
Context
This lithograph emerges from Bearden's broader exploration of printmaking as a complementary medium to his painting and collage work. It reflects his interest in exploring everyday life and potentially social dynamics through abstracted, expressive means.
Legacy
As part of Bearden's oeuvre, *Untitled* contributes to the artist's legacy of blending abstract expressionism with representations of daily life, particularly focusing on African American experiences and social commentary, though the specific themes in this work are subtly implied rather than overtly stated.
Artist & collection
Artist
Romare Howard Bearden (, ROH-mə-ree) (September 2, 1911 – March 12, 1988) was an American artist, author, and songwriter.
