Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Jasper Johns. It dates from 1976 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
The main form looks like a rough, rounded pillow or cushion with a few quick lines on top, maybe suggesting a head or hair.
This sketch shows a simple black-and-white shape against a dark background. The main form looks like a rough, rounded pillow or cushion with a few quick lines on top, maybe suggesting a head or hair. The edges are uneven, and the shading is made of loose, sketchy strokes.
The artist left their signature in the corner, dated 1976. This piece is a lithograph, which means it was printed from a flat stone or metal plate.
Check out lithography to see how this technique works.
Overview
Jasper Johns’ 1976 lithograph, titled Untitled, presents a stark monochrome composition. Rendered in black ink on a dark field, the image centers on an amorphous, pillow‑shaped form outlined with loose, sketch‑like strokes. The work bears Johns’ signature and date in the lower corner, confirming its authorship and year of production.
Subject & Meaning
The central silhouette suggests a soft, rounded object—perhaps a cushion or a stylized head—its uneven edges and quick lines evoking a sense of immediacy. By reducing the figure to a basic contour, Johns invites viewers to contemplate the boundary between representation and abstraction, a recurring concern in his oeuvre.
Technique & Style
Executed as a lithograph, the image was transferred from a flat stone or metal plate onto paper, allowing Johns to manipulate line and tone with a gestural hand. The stark black‑and‑white palette and sketchy shading reflect his interest in the graphic qualities of printmaking, while the informal drawing style aligns with his Neo‑Dada sensibilities.
History & Provenance
Created during a prolific period for Johns, the piece emerged after his early involvement with abstract expressionism and pop art. Though specific ownership details are limited, the work’s signature and dated inscription confirm its authenticity and place within Johns’ extensive print portfolio from the mid‑1970s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jasper Johns (born May 15, 1930) is an American painter, sculptor, draftsman, and printmaker.
