Untitled

Untitled

Johannes Itten

1917

charcoal

From the collection of Museum of Modern Art

About this work

This sketch shows two reclining nude figures tangled together. Their bodies are drawn in loose, quick lines—some dark, some light—with no clear details. One figure’s head rests on the other’s shoulder, and their limbs twist in a relaxed, almost tangled pose. The artist used charcoal and pencil to create a rough, sketchy feel, almost like a quick study. The lines are uneven, giving the figures a sense of movement and energy. If you like this style, look up cross-hatching next.

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