Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by William Anastasi. It dates from 1969 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1969 drawing by William Anastasi, comprises eight swift sketches of birds in flight rendered in pencil on two sheets of transparentized paper, now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is birds in dynamic motion—gliding, diving, and turning—captured through loose, dark pencil lines on a light beige background, conveying a sense of spontaneity and natural movement.
Technique & Style
Characterized by uneven, hand-drawn lines, the work's sketchy, alive quality is heightened by the pencil medium and the transparent paper, which reveals faint, ghostly marks from the reverse side.
History & Provenance
Created in 1969 by William Anastasi, the piece is currently held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art.
Context
The use of transparentized paper and emphasis on quick, expressive lines situates the work within experimental drawing practices of the late 1960s, inviting comparison with techniques like cross-hatching for building form.
Legacy
While specific legacy details are not provided, the work's inclusion in a prominent museum collection suggests its recognition within the broader context of late 20th-century drawing innovations.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Anastasi was an American visual artist working in a wide range of media including drawing, painting, sculpture, photographic works, and text.
