Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Claes Oldenburg, ink, 1976
Untitled, by Claes Oldenburg, ink, 1976

Untitled is an ink print by Claes Oldenburg. It dates from 1976 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled 1976 lithograph by Claes Oldenburg, a Swedish-born American artist, depicts a gigantic, distorted spoon in a quick, expressive drawing style characterized by scratchy, uneven lines.

Subject & Meaning

The spoon, an everyday object, is rendered in an absurdly large scale and awkward pose, exemplifying Oldenburg's tendency to transform mundane items into whimsical, thought-provoking subjects that blend the familiar with the surreal.

Technique & Style

The lithograph's hasty, almost gestural quality, with its irregular lines suggesting rapid execution or possibly finger-drawn elements, reflects Oldenburg's expressive approach to printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created before Oldenburg's collaborative partnership with Coosje van Bruggen, this work is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, highlighting the artist's parallel engagement with printmaking alongside his well-known sculptural practice.

Untitled
Untitled, Seymour Lipton

Artist & collection

Portrait of Claes Oldenburg

Artist

Claes Oldenburg

Claes Oldenburg (January 28, 1929 – July 18, 2022) was a Swedish-born American sculptor best known for his public art installations, typically featuring large replicas of everyday objects.

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

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Claes Oldenburg in 1976.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.