Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a gouache drawing by Susan Rothenberg. It dates from 1977 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1977, this paper work combines synthetic polymer paint, gouache, pencil, and crayon.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1977, this paper work combines synthetic polymer paint, gouache, pencil, and crayon. It depicts a single horse rendered in a vigorous, gestural manner against a warm, beige ground. The composition captures a fleeting moment of motion, with the animal’s head turned and legs bent as if poised to leap.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a dark horse, a recurring emblem in the artist’s oeuvre that often serves as a conduit for exploring the boundary between abstraction and representation. Here the animal’s dynamic posture and fragmented rendering suggest both physical energy and an emotional immediacy, inviting viewers to sense movement rather than narrate a specific scene.
Technique & Style
Employing a blend of synthetic polymer paint and gouache, the artist builds texture through visible brushstrokes, while pencil and crayon add sketchy, linear accents. The contrast between bold, solid strokes for the torso and looser, suggestive lines for the head and legs creates a layered visual rhythm, emphasizing spontaneity and the materiality of the medium.
History & Provenance
The work belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, reflecting the institution’s acquisition of the artist’s output from the late 1970s. Its inclusion underscores the period when the artist’s horse motif gained critical attention, marking a pivotal moment in her development as a leading figure in contemporary painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Susan Charna Rothenberg (January 20, 1945 – May 18, 2020) was an American contemporary painter, printmaker, sculptor, and draughtswoman.
