Untitled [Merce (III)] (1953) by Robert Rauschenberg

“Untitled [Merce (III)],” created by Robert Rauschenberg in 1953, is a photographic artwork belonging to the Neo-Dada movement. The artwork reflects the unconventional and experimental nature of the movement, which Rauschenberg was known to be a prominent figure of.

The artwork features a monochromatic photograph of an individual captured in mid-pose within the subdued setting of a dance studio. The subject’s athletic stance, with one leg extended backward and the body bent forward parallel to the ground, exudes a sense of balance and grace. The simplicity of the setting, with its plain walls and bare floor, directs the viewer’s focus entirely onto the artistry and form of the subject’s pose. The individual’s concentration and physical discipline are emphasized through the sharp contrast and detailed rendering characteristic of Rauschenberg’s photographic technique.