Abstract Expressionism

American

Robert Motherwell (American, 1915–1991) was an American printmaker, editor, and painter. He is known for his contribution to the Color Field and Abstract Expressionist movements. He attended Stanford, Harvard, and Columbia University. At Columbia, he met Meyer Schapiro, who encouraged Motherwell to pursue painting at the New York School. Motherwell was one of the youngest to attend the school and met Philip Guston, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollack, and Mark Rothko.

Works by Robert Motherwell

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London Series II Orange Pink by Robert Motherwell

London Series II Orange Pink by Robert Motherwell (American, 1915-1991). From the London Series II portfolio. Published in 1970-71 by Marlborough Graphics Inc. Printed at Kelpra Studio in London under the direction of Chris Prater. Screenprint on J.B. Green mould-made Double Elephant paper. Pencil signed and numbered lower right. Limited edition numbered 107 of 150. Reference: The Prints of Robert Motherwell- Catalogue Raisonne 1943-1990" Stephanie Terenzio & Dorothy c. Belknap Page 178. Provenance: Triton Museum of Art (Santa Clara, CA). 

Size: 28 1/4" h x 41" w (sheet) 
Condition: Excellent color and impression. Framed.

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Tallith for Meyer Schapiro by Robert Motherwell

Tallith for Meyer Schapiro by Robert Motherwell (American, 1915-1991). A beautifully executed aquatint etching published in 1973. From the portfolio 'For Meyer Schapiro'. Signed and numbered 98/100 in pencil. 'Robert Motherwell Editions' blindstamp lower right. Published by Committee to Endow a Chair in Honor of Meyer Schapiro at Columbia University, New York; printed by Catherine Mosley. Reference: Engboerg & Banach 154.

Size: 41 1/2" h x 29 1/2" w (sheet); 35 1/2" h × 23 3/4" w (plate)
Condition: Very good color and impression. Minor handling creases. Spot of discoloration lowe right area of image. Framed.

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Untitled Abstract Etching Aquatint by Robert Motherwell

Untitled Abstract by Robert Motherwell (American 1915-1991). A powerfully executed minimalist abstract work. Published in 1973. Lift-ground etching with aquatint on Arches Paper. Pencil signed and numbered 5/50. Printer: Catherine Mosely, Artist's Studio, CT, Publisher: Artist and Dain-Schiff Gallery, NY. Reference: Engberg/Banach 134. Framed in a stained wood frame.

Size: 35 1/2" h x 23 3/4" w (image); 41 1/2" h × 29 1/2" w (sheet);  45" h x 33" w (framed)
Condition: Excellent condition. Framed.

Biography

print biography

Robert Motherwell (American, 1915–1991) was an American printmaker, editor, and painter. He is known for his contribution to the Color Field and Abstract Expressionist movements. He attended Stanford, Harvard, and Columbia University. At Columbia, he met Meyer Schapiro, who encouraged Motherwell to pursue painting at the New York School. Motherwell was one of the youngest to attend the school and met Philip Guston, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollack, and Mark Rothko.

Motherwell’s work encompasses the automatism of the Surrealists, the expressive brushworks of action painting derived from Abstract Expressionism, and the saturated hues of Color Field painting. His work also includes responses to World War II and the Spanish Civil War. Motherwell taught Cy Twombly and Robert Rauschenberg at Black Mountain College in North Carolina in the 50s. He was also married to Helen Frankenthaler, a fellow abstract expressionist painter at the time. Motherwell traveled all over Europe and Mexico where he met and took influence from other well-known modern and surrealist artists of the mid-twentieth century.

To this day, Robert Motherwell is considered one of the greatest modern American painters. Many artists, historians, philosophers, and writers continue to take inspiration and draw context from his expansive collection of writing and art.