Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil painting by the Abstract Expressionist artist Romare Bearden. It dates from 1959 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1959, this oil and casein canvas by Romare Bearden belongs to the abstract expressionist vein. The composition centers on a stylized figure with a green torso and a stark white head, set against a vivid field of red, orange and gray that conveys a sense of motion.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, outlined in blue and brown accents, suggests a human presence rendered in symbolic color rather than literal representation. The surrounding white circle around the head and the energetic background hint at themes of identity and emotional intensity, reflecting Bearden’s post‑war interest in universal human concerns.
Technique & Style
Bearden combines oil’s fluidity with casein’s matte opacity, allowing both glossy and velvety textures to coexist. Visible brushstrokes and layered pigment generate a tactile surface, while the bold color juxtapositions and simplified forms align the work with the gestural dynamism characteristic of abstract expressionism.
History & Provenance
After completing the painting, Bearden, who had previously focused on Southern scenes and later on collage, placed the work in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. It remains part of MoMA’s holdings, representing an early example of his shift toward abstract, human‑centered imagery following his World War II service.
Artist & collection
Artist
Romare Howard Bearden (, ROH-mə-ree) (September 2, 1911 – March 12, 1988) was an American artist, author, and songwriter.
