Untitled (White Mezzotint) [trial proof] 1995

This is Jasper Johns’ “Untitled (White Mezzotint)”, a trial proof, of uncertain date. Here, the composition is dominated by a central rectangular form, its surface worked into a soft, velvety texture. The pale grey tonality, achieved through the mezzotint process, creates a subtle play of light and shadow, evoking a sense of quietude. Embedded within this field are enigmatic images: a face, sun-like figures, an undulating line, and geometric shapes. These motifs, rendered with stark simplicity, seem to float within the textured ground. Johns’ deliberate use of these signs challenges fixed meanings. The juxtaposition of abstract forms with representational images destabilizes any singular interpretation. It invites us to consider the nature of representation itself. Notice how the formal qualities of the mezzotint—its texture and tonality—contribute to this sense of ambiguity. The artwork prompts a continuous process of seeing and interpreting, revealing the instability inherent in visual language.