Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Alex Katz. It dates from 1976 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1976, this pencil drawing by Alex Katz is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The work presents a solitary figure seated on a couch, rendered in a straightforward, unembellished manner that emphasizes the immediacy of the sketch.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows a man with short hair and a mustache, dressed in a button‑up shirt with a pocket, his hands resting calmly on his lap. His expression is serious, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation rather than narrative action.
Technique & Style
Executed with loose yet deliberate pencil lines, the drawing captures the folds of clothing and the contours of the couch through light shading. The minimal detail and swift strokes convey a study-like quality, focusing on form and gesture over surface texture.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced by Katz in the mid‑1970s, a period when he explored drawing alongside his well‑known paintings. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings, where it remains accessible for study of his draftsmanship.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alex Katz is an American figurative artist known for his paintings, sculptures, and prints.
