Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Richard Hamilton in 1983.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Artwork

Untitled

Richard Hamilton , 1983

Untitled is an ink print by Richard Hamilton. It dates from 1983 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1983, this print combines photoetching, aquatint, and engraving to render a portrait of a bearded man in a dark jacket.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1983, this print combines photoetching, aquatint, and engraving to render a portrait of a bearded man in a dark jacket. The image occupies a muted gray field, punctuated by lighter tones surrounding the figure’s head, and conveys a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. The work is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a close‑up of a man whose long hair and beard suggest a relaxed, perhaps bohemian presence. His gaze meets the viewer directly, and his solemn expression invites reflection on identity and presence. The restrained palette and subdued lighting emphasize an introspective mood rather than narrative detail.

Technique & Style

The photoetching supplies realistic detail, while aquatint introduces soft, velvety shadows, and engraving adds crisp lines.

Hamilton employed a multi‑process printmaking method: photographic images were transferred onto a metal plate, then etched, aquatinted, and engraved to achieve varied tonal ranges. The photoetching supplies realistic detail, while aquatint introduces soft, velvety shadows, and engraving adds crisp lines. This hybrid approach reflects Hamilton’s interest in merging mechanical reproduction with painterly effects.

History & Provenance

The piece was produced during a period when Hamilton, a seminal figure in British pop art, revisited earlier concerns about media and representation. After its creation, the work entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, where it remains on view. Its acquisition underscores the institution’s commitment to documenting the evolution of print media within contemporary art.