Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, gold, 1900
Untitled, gold, 1900

Untitled is a gold painting. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Accession no.
64.167.3
Credit line
Gift of Adele Simpson, 1964

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Created around 1900 in India, this untitled work by an anonymous artist functions as a history painting centered on equestrianism.

Created around 1900 in India, this untitled work by an anonymous artist functions as a history painting centered on equestrianism. The composition depicts a man mounted on a horse, presenting a portrait of the rider within the context of horsemanship. Executed in gold and color on brown paper, the piece captures the specific subject of a man and his steed, emphasizing the figure's status through the traditional iconography of the mounted portrait.

The work serves as a visual record of early 20th-century Indian equestrian culture, focusing on the relationship between the rider and the animal rather than a broader narrative scene.

Technique & Style

Created in 1900 in India, this anonymous work is executed using gold and color pigments applied directly onto brown paper. The piece measures 35.5 by 26 units and is classified as a painting within the history painting genre. Stylistically, the composition functions as an equestrian portrait, depicting a man mounted on a horse.

The utilization of gold alongside colored media on a brown paper support defines the work's material character, while the subject matter aligns with traditional portraiture focused on riders and their animals.

History & Provenance

The work titled Untitled was produced in 1900 in India by an anonymous painter who employed gold pigment and color on brown paper, a technique documented in the artist’s internal catalogue. Its subject matter, an equestrian portrait of a man with a horse, is recorded in both the internal record and the Wikidata entry. The painting is classified as a history painting and was accessioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains in the museum’s collection.

The work’s creation date is anchored to 1 January 1900, and no commissioning details or subsequent ownership transfers beyond its museum acquisition are noted in the available sources.

The artwork titled Untitled, created in 1900 by an anonymous artist, is held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The piece, which depicts an equestrian portrait featuring a man and a horse, is located at the museum's premises in New York. While the work is confirmed to be part of the institution's holdings, the provided records do not specify a unique accession or inventory number for this particular painting.

Furthermore, there is no available information regarding its exhibition history or specific display dates within the source materials. The painting was originally made in India and consists of gold and color applied to brown paper.

Overview

This untitled painting, rendered with gold and color on brown paper, depicts a scene featuring men on horseback. Its visual characteristics suggest an origin within the Indian subcontinent. The artist responsible for this work remains unidentified, adding an element of mystery to its creation and inviting contemplation of its historical context.

Context

This painting can be understood within a broader tradition of equestrian portraiture or narrative scenes from the Indian subcontinent. Collections such as those at The Metropolitan Museum of Art house comparable examples, which provide insight into the stylistic conventions and thematic interests prevalent during the period of its creation.

Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh
Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh

Artist & collection

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Patna School of Painting.