Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a gouache drawing by Felipe Orlando. It dates from 1943 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1943, this gouache work on paper is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1943, this gouache work on paper is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art. The composition centers on a solitary female figure engaged with a transparent bowl that contains a school of small, dark fish. The surrounding space is rendered in muted reds, greens and grays, establishing a tranquil visual field.
Subject & Meaning
The woman, shown with long dark hair and a blue dress, leans slightly sideways as she lowers her hands into the bowl, suggesting a quiet, contemplative act. The blurred facial features and the gentle motion of the fish convey a sense of introspection and calm, inviting viewers to consider themes of stillness and the relationship between human presence and nature.
Technique & Style
Executed in gouache, the piece benefits from the medium’s opaque quality, allowing for flat yet richly saturated color areas. The paper support contributes a subtle texture that enhances the softness of the background tones. Brushwork remains delicate, especially in the rendering of the fish and the translucency of the glass vessel, creating depth without heavy detailing.
History & Provenance
The drawing was produced by Felipe Orlando during the early 1940s, a period marked by his exploration of everyday scenes rendered in modest palettes. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, where it has remained on display as part of the institution’s representation of mid‑century gouache works.
Artist & collection
