Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Stanislaus Stückgold, ink, 1917
Untitled, by Stanislaus Stückgold, ink, 1917

Untitled is an ink print by Stanislaus Stückgold. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1917, this lithographic print by Stanislaus Stückgold presents a compact grouping of three figures set against a backdrop of tangled arboreal forms. The central figure cradles a small child, while the figure to the right extends an arm outward, suggesting interaction or support. The composition is rendered with swift, loose lines that convey immediacy and a subtle emotional tone.

Subject & Meaning

The juxtaposition of the tender embrace with the reaching arm may hint at themes of care, vulnerability, or the anticipation of assistance.

The work captures an intimate domestic moment, emphasizing familial connection and protective gestures. The juxtaposition of the tender embrace with the reaching arm may hint at themes of care, vulnerability, or the anticipation of assistance. The surrounding trees, rendered in uneven, interlaced branches, add an ambiguous atmosphere that frames the figures without distracting from their relational dynamics.

Technique & Style

Stückgold employed traditional lithography, drawing directly onto a smooth limestone surface before transferring the image to paper. This method allows for fluid, gestural marks, evident in the print’s rough edges and simplified shapes. The quick, sketch‑like quality of the lines imparts a sense of spontaneity, while the limited tonal range underscores the work’s understated, contemplative mood.

History & Provenance

The lithograph entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on view. Produced during the final year of World War I, the piece reflects the artist’s engagement with printmaking at a time when lithography was gaining prominence among modernist practitioners.

Artist & collection

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