Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Clara Tice in 1923.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Untitled by Clara Tice (1923) · Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

Created in 1923 by Clara Tice, this letterpress print, titled Untitled, is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The work functions as a promotional poster for a costume ball held at Webster Hall on February 9, employing a graphic, black‑and‑white aesthetic typical of early twentieth‑century commercial printing.

Subject & Meaning

The central image features a stylized butterfly rendered with sweeping curved lines, its delicate body and slender legs contrasting with two diminutive, insect‑costumed figures positioned in the foreground. The bold caption “INSECT FROLIC” frames the scene, suggesting a whimsical, playful atmosphere intended to attract attendees to the themed event.

Technique & Style

Executed through letterpress, the composition relies on stark black ink against a white background, emphasizing clean, graphic outlines and high contrast. The design’s simplicity, with minimal shading and a focus on line work, reflects the commercial poster conventions of the 1920s while also hinting at the era’s emerging interest in decorative illustration.

History & Provenance

After its original use as an advertisement for the Webster Hall costume ball, the poster entered the art market and was eventually acquired by the Museum of Modern Art, where it is catalogued under its generic title. Its preservation offers insight into the intersection of popular culture and graphic design in the early twentieth century.

Context

The early 1920s saw a surge in public entertainment venues like Webster Hall, which frequently hosted themed dances and costume events. Posters such as this one served both as practical announcements and as visual expressions of the period’s fascination with novelty, performance, and the decorative possibilities of print media.