Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by René Pierre Tal-Coat, oil, 1945
Untitled, by René Pierre Tal-Coat, oil, 1945

Untitled is an oil painting by René Pierre Tal-Coat. It dates from 1945 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1945 oil on canvas painting by French artist René Pierre Tal-Coat, exemplifies the spontaneous and expressive qualities of the Tachisme movement, which the artist helped found.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a face turned slightly to the side, adorned with a bright red hat pulled low over one ear. The subject's expression and the artist's intent behind the portrayal are not explicitly defined, leaving interpretation open.

Technique & Style

Characterized by bold, vibrant colors (pink, blue, yellow, and green) and thick, rough brushstrokes, the work showcases Tal-Coat's use of impasto techniques to create textured, raised surfaces, particularly on the hat and face, enhancing the overall lively and dynamic feel.

History & Provenance

Created in 1945 as part of the Tachisme movement, the painting is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of René Pierre Tal-Coat

Artist

René Pierre Tal-Coat

Pierre Tal-Coat (real name Pierre Louis Jacob; 1905–1985) was a French artist considered to be one of the founders of Tachisme.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.