Untitled
1912
graphite
From the collection of Museum of Modern Art
1912
graphite
From the collection of Museum of Modern Art
Untitled is a 1912 graphite by Alexej von Jawlensky, held at Museum of Modern Art.
This is a pencil drawing of a woman lying on her side, her body curved like a wave. The lines are quick and light, almost like the artist barely touched the paper. Jawlensky made this in 1912, right when he was leaving realistic portraits behind. The drawing feels loose, as if he drew it in one sitting. You can still see the faint grid lines he used to plan the pose—like a secret map under the final image. If you like how pencil can feel alive, try looking up cross-hatching.
