Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Walter Stöhrer. It dates from 1962 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1962, this untitled etching by Walter Stöhrer exemplifies the artist’s mature period while he taught at the Berlin University of the Arts. Executed on paper with a metal plate, the work resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Its composition consists of a dense network of lines, amorphous shapes, and isolated marks that resist straightforward representation.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents no identifiable narrative; instead, it offers a field of intersecting strokes, irregular ovals, and a solitary, diminutive figure clutching an indeterminate object. The absence of defined edges and the presence of a dark, shadow‑like mass on the right suggest an exploration of ambiguity and visual tension, inviting viewers to consider the balance between order and chaos.
Technique & Style
Stöhrer employed traditional intaglio methods, using acid to bite into a metal plate before inking and pressing the surface onto paper. The resulting marks vary in thickness and waviness, producing a deliberately “messy” aesthetic. Ink saturation creates irregular dark spots reminiscent of coffee stains, emphasizing the materiality of the print and the artist’s interest in texture.
History & Provenance
The etching was produced during Stöhrer’s later academic career, a time when he was integrating his painting practice with graphic experimentation. After its creation, the piece entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings, where it has been catalogued as part of the institution’s mid‑20th‑century German print collection. The artist’s signature, "Stöhrer 62," confirms its date and authorship.
Artist & collection
Artist
Walter Stöhrer (1937–2000) was a German painter, graphic artist and academic teacher at the Berlin University of the Arts from 1986 until his death.
