Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Claudette Schreuders. It dates from 2003 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2003, Untitled is one of nine lithographs with chine collé by South African artist Claudette Schreuders. Though primarily known for her sculptural wooden figures, Schreuders explored printmaking to examine intimate, quiet moments. This work is part of a cohesive series, unified in technique and subject, and is held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a newborn curled on its side, arms tucked beneath the head, rendered with minimal detail. The pose suggests vulnerability and rest, evoking themes of infancy, protection, and solitude. The absence of context or narrative elements invites contemplation of early human existence, stripped of social or cultural markers.
Technique & Style
Schreuders employed lithography with chine collé, layering thin paper onto a larger sheet to achieve subtle tonal variations. Soft, delicate lines and restrained shading define the infant’s form, while the plain white background isolates the figure. The use of faint pink hints in the skin adds warmth without realism, emphasizing simplicity over detail.
History & Provenance
The work was produced in 2003 as part of a limited series, following Schreuders’ established focus on the human figure. It entered the collection of The Museum of Modern Art shortly after its creation, reflecting institutional recognition of her shift from sculpture to print. No prior ownership or exhibition history beyond museum acquisition is documented.
Context
Schreuders’ print series emerged during a period when she was expanding her practice beyond carved wood into two-dimensional media. While her sculptures often addressed identity and social roles, these lithographs turned inward, focusing on universal, pre-social states of being, offering a quiet counterpoint to her more overtly narrative works.
Legacy
The Untitled series remains a lesser-known but significant extension of Schreuders’ oeuvre, demonstrating her ability to convey emotional depth through restraint. It has contributed to broader discussions on the role of printmaking in contemporary African art, particularly in conveying intimacy without spectacle.
Artist & collection
Artist
Claudette Schreuders (born February 6, 1973) is a South African sculptor and painter operating out of Cape Town, South Africa.
