Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by William Gropper. It dates from 1955 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled is a 1955 portfolio comprising fifty lithographic prints by American artist William Gropper. The work is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection and consists of a series of identical black squares, each sealed with a thin black ribbon at the top and bottom. No imagery or title appears on the sheets, emphasizing the absence of visual content.
Subject & Meaning
The stark, unmarked squares invite contemplation of what is omitted rather than what is presented. By presenting a void, Gropper foregrounds themes of silence, censorship, or the erasure of political discourse, resonating with his reputation for socially engaged art.
Technique & Style
Each piece was produced through lithography, a printmaking process that allows for precise replication of a design. In this case, Gropper employed the medium to create a uniform, matte black surface, foregoing any line work or texture to achieve a seamless, monochrome field.
History & Provenance
Created during a period when Gropper was actively contributing to leftist periodicals such as The Revolutionary Age and The New Masses, the portfolio reflects his ongoing commitment to radical politics. The set entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings, where it remains accessible for study.
Context
Gropper’s career spanned cartooning, mural painting, and printmaking, with a focus on political commentary. The Untitled portfolio, produced in the mid‑1950s, aligns with his broader practice of using visual media to critique social issues, while the absence of explicit imagery marks a departure from his more illustrative work.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Victor Gropper (December 3, 1897 – January 3, 1977) was an American cartoonist, painter, lithographer, and muralist.
