Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Christian Rohlfs, ink, 1915
Untitled, by Christian Rohlfs, ink, 1915

Untitled is an ink print by Christian Rohlfs. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a woodcut print by Christian Rohlfs, dating to approximately 1915, currently in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a shadowy, faceless figure adorned with a crown of thorns, holding a bottle. The anonymity of the subject and the presence of the crown of thorns suggest themes of suffering or martyrdom, though the overall interpretation remains ambiguous due to the figure's blurred features.

Technique & Style

The work combines woodcut techniques with subsequent black ink additions. Hand-carved woodblock lines define the composition, while darker, post-printing ink marks enhance edge definition, contributing to a textured, expressive appearance.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1915, the piece is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Christian Rohlfs

Artist

Christian Rohlfs

Christian Rohlfs (November 22, 1849 - January 8, 1938) was a German painter and printmaker, one of the important representatives of German expressionism.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.