Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor drawing by Mary Petty. It dates from 1951 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Mary Petty's Untitled (1951) is a watercolor and ink drawing on paper, characteristic of her domestic scene renderings, now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The piece depicts three individuals in a dimly lit, elegantly furnished room. A large, gold-framed mirror on the dark blue wall reflects a serene, unseen scene of a woman in pink holding a child, contrasting with the subdued, introspective poses of the table's occupants.
Technique & Style
Petty employs soft, muted colors and meticulous details to evoke a quiet, mysterious ambiance. The bold, red accents (chairs, book) and pink lamps subtly counterbalance the overall somberness.
History & Provenance
Created in 1951 by American illustrator Mary Petty, known for The New Yorker's Peabody family series, the work is now held in The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Context
While Petty was renowned for her humorous, narrative illustrations, this piece showcases her ability to craft more subdued, contemplative scenes, still rooted in domestic life.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mary Petty (April 29, 1899 – March 6, 1976) was an illustrator of books and magazines best remembered for a series of covers published by The New Yorker that feature a family she invented and named, "Peabody", along with their household…
