Untitled is a sculpture by Gonzalo Fonseca made in nineteen fifty-three. It is made from ceramic and carved with fine lines, a technique known as incised ceramic. The sculpture stands about eight inches tall, and is roughly eight inches wide and deep. The main form is an upright cylinder. On its top surface are two small attachments, each about two inches long. On the left is a short, hollow cylinder standing upright. On the right is a rounded, sideways-leaning pyramid with a small circular hole on its front, resembling an eye or viewing port. The surface is a light green color with black and brown stains, giving it an aged, weathered look. The cylinder is divided horizontally into four equal bands by thin carved lines filled with black pigment. Each band is decorated with abstract shapes and symbols, carved in fine detail. Resembling archaeology, ancient symbols, and ruined buildings. In the top band, you’ll find two triangles, a wavy line, and a circle with a central dot. The second band features a hand pointing to the right and a few geometric shapes, which could be read as symbolic or architectural. In the third band, there is a diagonally divided rectangle forming two triangles, each containing a small circle. Nearby, there’s another hand-like form, and a circle divided into four parts. Two of the lower sections each hold a smaller circle. The bottom band includes a long triangle pointing down, a split rectangle with a circle in its left half, and a form that has a geometric base with a vertical stripe rising from it. The last part of this band shows two horizontal stripes filled with narrow oval shapes. The design elements are abstract but feel intentional, like fragments of a forgotten language or an ancient code. This piece reflects that interest, blending the tactile quality of handmade ceramics with the mystery of ancient markings. Though compact, the sculpture feels architectural like a tiny monument or relic.
Gonzalo Fonseca
Gonzalo Fonseca
b. 1922, Montevideo, Uruguay; d. 1997, Seravezza, Italy