Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Untitled,

León David Ferrari, 1988

Name Class Date
León David Ferrari, Untitled, (1988), Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
León David Ferrari topimpressionists.com/en/artists/leon-david-ferrari/
Artist’s dates
1920 – 2013
Painted
1988
Medium
Oil On Paper
Original size
24 x 34 cm
Period
Contemporary
Held at
Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art topimpressionists.com/en/museums/buenos-aires-museum-of-modern-art-buenos-aires/
Subject or theme
Man riding a horse and people in nature

Copyright This work is still under copyright. León David Ferrari died in 2013; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2083. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 29, 2026

Untitled, — León David Ferrari Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Untitled, — León David Ferrari

How big is it?

The original measures 24 × 34 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1920
  2. 1930
  3. 1940
  4. 1950
  5. 1960
  6. 1970
  7. 1980
  8. 1990
  9. 2000
  10. 2010

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 93 at death.

Painted when the artist was 68. The artist lived to 93. 10 of the 56 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of León David Ferrari (1920–2013) ▲ this work, 1988 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1988 Main working years: 1988–2003 Late works: from 2003

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

  • Free Union, 1995 topimpressionists.com/en/art/leon-david-ferrari-free-union-D683WS-en/
  • Untitled, , 1986 topimpressionists.com/en/art/leon-david-ferrari-untitled-DD22P8-en/
  • Untitled, , 1987 topimpressionists.com/en/art/leon-david-ferrari-untitled-D9E5R7-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/leon-david-ferrari-untitled-D9E5KH-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Sap Green #73663f

    Catalogued palette

    • #73663F
    • #282520
    • #C7B999
    • #CDA144

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Sap Green
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Bold How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Deep_shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by León David Ferrari over the last twelve months — 2 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 83.3%
    2. 2 United States of America 16.7%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 13 most looked-at works by León David Ferrari

    1. 1 Blind man, 1995 31.6%
    2. 2 Reciprocal Spectators, 2003 10.5%
    3. 3 Floor, 1988 10.5%
    4. 4 Untitled,, 1987 5.3%
    5. 5 Rond Point, 2003 5.3%
    6. 6 Hands, 1964 5.3%
    7. 7 Untitled, 2007 5.3%
    8. 8 Restrooms, 2003 5.3%
    9. 9 Untitled, 2009 5.3%
    10. 10 Untitled, Homens series, 1988 5.3%
    11. 11 Untitled, Banheiros series, 1988 5.3%
    12. 12 The Waiting, 1999 5.3%
    13. — Untitled,, 1988 this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 56 works by this artist, of which 12 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 29, 2026

    Untitled, — León David Ferrari Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Untitled, — León David Ferrari

    A Narrative of Motion and Mystery

    In the evocative painting Untitled, created in 1988 by the Argentine master León David Ferrari, we are transported into a scene that feels like a fragment of an ancient legend or a fever dream captured on paper. The composition centers on a powerful figure—a man mounted upon a horse—who moves through a gathering of souls. This is not a solitary journey; rather, the artist surrounds the central rider with at least nine individuals, some resting in repose and others standing as silent witnesses to the unfolding drama. There is an undeniable sense of a shared history or a communal ritual occurring within this space, where the boundaries between action and stillness begin to blur.

    The atmosphere is thick with a quiet tension, heightened by the presence of another figure wielding a bow and arrow. This detail introduces a subtle note of peril or perhaps the focused intent of a hunt, suggesting that the scene may be a depiction of a battle or a significant moment of survival. High above, tucked into the corner of the frame, a solitary bird watches from the sky, acting as a silent observer to the human interactions below. Through this careful arrangement, Ferrari invites the viewer to piece together a story that remains tantalizingly out of reach, leaving us to wonder about the motivations and fates of those gathered in this enigmatic landscape.

    Technique and Emotional Resonance

    The artistry of Untitled lies in its ability to weave complex human emotions into a cohesive visual tapestry. The technique employed by Ferrari allows for a profound sense of depth and texture, where every brushstroke contributes to the overall narrative weight of the piece. There is a palpable energy in the way the figures interact with their environment, creating a composition that feels both grounded in a physical reality and elevated by a poetic, almost mythic, quality. The interplay of light and shadow across the bodies of the men and the form of the horse lends a sculptural dimension to the work, making the scene feel remarkably present.

    For the collector or the interior designer, this artwork offers more than mere decoration; it provides a focal point of profound intellectual and emotional depth. It is a piece that demands contemplation, sparking conversations about community, conflict, and the enduring nature of human struggle. Bringing a high-quality reproduction of this work into a space introduces an element of sophisticated mystery and a connection to the rich tradition of Argentine contemporary art. It serves as a window into a world where every figure holds a secret, and every movement tells a story of resilience and shared destiny.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 29, 2026

    Untitled, — León David Ferrari Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    León David Ferrari

    Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina

    a life marked by protest and artistic expression

    león david ferrari, an argentine contemporary conceptual artist, left an indelible mark on the art world with his provocative works that challenged the status quo. born in buenos aires, argentina on september 3, 1920, ferrari's life was a testament to the power of artistic expression as a form of dissent.

    early life and career

    ferrari's artistic journey began in the early 1950s, with his works often reflecting his disdain for the argentine government, imperialism, and the church. this is exemplified in his piece western and christian civilization, which depicted a near life-size christ hanging crucified on an american fighter jet, sparking controversy upon its creation in 1965.

    notable works and exhibitions

    * untitled (23 x 16 cm), part of the buenos aires museum of modern art (buenos aires, argentina), showcases ferrari's mastery of oil painting on paper. * untitled, banheiros series, another piece from the same museum, further demonstrates his versatility in using paper as a medium.

    view ferrari's works at AllPaintingsStore

    understand the context of suicidal tendencies in historical figures

    explore colección andrés blaisten (mexico), a mexican art collection featuring diverse latin american artworks, on AllPaintingsStore.com.

    legacy and impact

    ferrari's extended career, spanning from 1954 to his passing in 2013, was marked by protests against his work, including from pope francis when he was still cardinal jorge bergoglio. despite the controversy, ferrari's art remains a powerful commentary on the societal issues of his time. his legacy continues to inspire and provoke, serving as a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression.

    delve into the colección andrés blaisten (mexico) at AllPaintingsStore.com to explore more latin american artworks.

    discover the museo nacional de bellas artes (argentina), a renowned art museum in buenos aires, featuring an extensive collection of argentine and international artworks.

    conclusion

    león david ferrari's life was a complex interplay of artistic expression and societal dissent. through his works, available on AllPaintingsStore.com, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on our collective cultural consciousness.

    explore león david ferrari's artworks

    learn more about casimiro castro, a mexican painter and lithographer, known for his graphic and landscape art in nineteenth-century mexico.

    Museum

    Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art

    On show in Buenos Aires, Argentina

    A Beacon of Argentine Modernity: Exploring MAMBA

    Nestled within the vibrant, historic San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, the Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires (MAMBA) is more than just a repository of artistic treasures; it’s a living chronicle of Argentina's evolving identity and its passionate engagement with the 20th and 21st centuries. Founded in 1956 by sculptor Pablo Curatella Manes and critic Rafael Squirru, MAMBA emerged from a profound desire to safeguard and champion the nation’s burgeoning modern artistic voice – a voice that dared to challenge conventions and forge a distinctly Argentine path within the global art landscape. The museum's journey, mirroring the city itself, has been one of continuous adaptation and reinvention, culminating in its current home: a beautifully renovated former tobacconist building, a structure that whispers tales of Buenos Aires’ layered history.

    Stepping through MAMBA’s doors is akin to embarking on a deeply personal journey. The museum's collection, numbering over 6,000 works, isn’t simply an assemblage of paintings and sculptures; it’s a meticulously curated narrative—a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of national belonging, social commentary, and the complexities inherent in modern life. At its core lies Argentine Modernism, a foundational movement that boldly declared a new artistic identity for the country. These early works grapple with themes of national pride intertwined with critical examinations of Argentine society, often reflecting the nation’s turbulent political and social shifts. However, MAMBA doesn't exist in isolation. It masterfully demonstrates how international movements – from the fragmented forms of Cubism to the dreamlike imagery of Surrealism, the expressive brushstrokes of Abstract Expressionism – resonated profoundly within Argentina, influencing local artists while simultaneously being reinterpreted through a uniquely Argentine lens. Visitors will be captivated by masterpieces such as Josef Albers’ explorations of color and form, offering a visual meditation on perception, alongside the powerful social critiques embedded in Antonio Berni's canvases—works that unflinchingly confront the realities of Argentine life. The museum proudly showcases the visionary works of Xul Solar, Raquel Forner, Emilio Pettoruti, and even the pioneering abstract compositions of Wassily Kandinsky, illustrating the breadth and depth of its remarkable holdings.

    San Telmo’s Embrace: Context and Community

    MAMBA's strategic location within San Telmo is not merely a geographical detail; it’s integral to the museum’s very essence. This oldest barrio (neighborhood) of Buenos Aires pulsates with an intoxicating bohemian energy, steeped in history, tradition, and a palpable sense of artistic spirit. Once the heart of immigrant communities and the birthplace of tango, San Telmo's cobblestone streets and antique shops provide a captivating backdrop for artistic exploration. The museum doesn’t simply occupy this space; it actively engages with the local community through a rich program of educational initiatives, hands-on workshops, and engaging events—designed to foster dialogue, inspire creativity, and ensure that art isn’t confined within the walls of a museum but thrives as an integral part of everyday life. This commitment extends far beyond its physical presence, recognizing that true artistic vitality resides in the connection between place and artwork. The neighborhood's own story – a compelling blend of colonial grandeur, working-class struggles, and groundbreaking artistic innovation – mirrors the themes explored within MAMBA’s collection, creating a powerful synergy that elevates both.

    A Unique Perspective: Fostering Dialogue & Innovation

    What truly distinguishes MAMBA is its unwavering dedication to presenting Argentine art within a global context. It's not simply about showcasing national treasures; it’s about strategically positioning them within the broader narrative of modern and contemporary art history, fostering critical dialogue, and challenging conventional perspectives. The museum serves as a vital platform for both established masters and emerging artists, providing invaluable opportunities for experimentation, pushing creative boundaries, and nurturing fresh voices. This commitment to innovation is vividly evident in its dynamic exhibition program—a constantly evolving showcase of cutting-edge works that provoke thought, spark conversation, and ultimately redefine our understanding of art. MAMBA isn’t merely preserving the past; it's actively shaping the future of Argentine art, ensuring its continued relevance and influence on the international stage. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of art—its ability to reflect, challenge, and fundamentally reshape our perception of ourselves and the world around us.

    Notable Artists & Collections

    Beyond the foundational movements, MAMBA’s collection reveals a remarkable diversity of artistic styles and approaches. The influence of Gregorio Vardanega's Chromocinetism is particularly noteworthy, with his vibrant geometric works demonstrating an early embrace of kinetic art principles. The museum also boasts significant holdings by Edgardo Miguel Giménez, whose provocative pop-art pieces often blend historical references with contemporary design elements. Dana Ferrari’s immersive performance installations and video art offer a compelling exploration of identity and spectacle – reflecting the dynamism of Buenos Aires' current artistic scene. The collection continues to evolve, showcasing both established Argentine artists and emerging talents, ensuring that MAMBA remains at the forefront of contemporary art in South America.

    MAMBA’s architectural setting—a beautifully restored former tobacconist building—further enhances its appeal. The space itself is a testament to Buenos Aires' layered history, providing a fitting backdrop for the museum’s collection and exhibitions. A visit to MAMBA is not just an art experience; it’s a journey through the heart of Argentine culture and creativity.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Untitled,

    topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/leon-david-ferrari-untitled-D9E5KH-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Ferrari, León David. Untitled, . 1988, Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/leon-david-ferrari-untitled-D9E5KH-en/
    APA
    Ferrari, León David (1988). Untitled, [Painting]. Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/leon-david-ferrari-untitled-D9E5KH-en/
    Chicago
    León David Ferrari. Untitled, . 1988. Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/leon-david-ferrari-untitled-D9E5KH-en/
    Harvard
    Ferrari, León David (1988) Untitled, . Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art. Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/leon-david-ferrari-untitled-D9E5KH-en/

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 29, 2026

    Untitled, — León David Ferrari Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Untitled, — León David Ferrari

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: man, horse, people. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Free Union (1995), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. León David Ferrari was about 68 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 29, 2026

    Untitled, — León David Ferrari Part 5 · Look closely

    Art quiz

    Untitled, — León David Ferrari

    How well do you know this artwork?

    Tick one answer for each of the 5 questions below. Each has exactly one correct answer.

    1. 1. Who is the artist of the painting 'Untitled'?

      • A León David Ferrari
      • B Francis Bacon
      • C Jean-Michel Basquiat

    2. 2. What is the size of this specific artwork?

      • A 23 x 16 cm
      • B 24 x 34 cm
      • C 85.0 x 12.0 cm

    3. 3. In which year was this painting created?

      • A 1965
      • B 1988
      • C 2000

    4. 4. What main figure is depicted riding a horse in the painting?

      • A A man
      • B A bird
      • C A soldier

    5. 5. Which animal can be seen towards the top right corner of the image?

      • A A horse
      • B A dog
      • C A bird

    My score: ____ out of 5

    Answer key — for the teacher

    This starts a fresh printed page, so it can simply be left out of the copies.

    1A · 2B · 3B · 4A · 5C

    Check any answer against the catalogue record for this painting

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 29, 2026

    Untitled, — León David Ferrari Part 6 · Art quiz

    Questions & Answers

    What use and space are recommended for "Untitled," by León David Ferrari?

    "Untitled," is suggested for conversation, and the recommended space is a studio apartment.

    Is there a slideshow for "Untitled," by León David Ferrari?

    A slideshow is available: the Diaporama page of "Untitled," by León David Ferrari.

    Is "Untitled," by León David Ferrari kept in the artist's home country?

    Yes - the artwork is kept in the artist's home country. León David Ferrari was born in Argentina, and the original "Untitled," is held in a museum in Argentina.