Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a photographic photography by Erik Lindberg. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This untitled black-and-white photograph, mounted on a green card, depicts a carved relief of a woman lifting a massive stone block. The image was part of a collection bequeathed by William Kineton Parkes in 1938.
Subject & Meaning
The relief shows a barefoot woman in a long dress, her hair pulled back, exerting controlled strength to lift the block. Nearby elements include a small plant and a broken column. The accompanying Swedish phrase translates to 'artists' contributions to human cultivation', suggesting the piece highlights the transformative power of artistic labor.
Technique & Style
The photograph captures a sculptural relief with a simple, minimalist background, focusing attention on the central figure and her action. The overall composition conveys a sense of dynamic effort and balance.
History & Provenance
The photograph was submitted to William Kineton Parkes, a novelist and art historian, in response to his 1920s questionnaires sent to sculptors. It entered the collection via Parkes' 1938 bequest.
Context
Originally part of a broader response to Parkes' inquiries into sculpture, this work reflects early 20th-century dialogues between artists, historians, and critics about the medium's role and practices.
Legacy
Now housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum, the relief (as captured in this photograph) remains accessible for public viewing, contributing to ongoing engagements with 20th-century sculptural practices and their philosophical underpinnings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johan Erik Lindberg (31 December 1873 – 28 September 1966) was a Swedish sculptor and engraver. He was best known for designing the Nobel Prize medals.
