Robert Motherwell
American, 1915-1991
The name of painter, printmaker and writer Robert Motherwell (1915–91) is often taken as synonymous with the New York School, whose name he coined. Motherwell was the youngest of this group of Abstract Expressionists working in art, dance, poetry and music in 1950s and '60s New York City, which included Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Philip Guston, Helen Frankenthaler and Mark Rothko.
Born in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1915, Motherwell had perhaps the broadest and best education of any of the New York School coterie, with an extensive background in philosophy, literature and art history. He earned a BA in philosophy in 1937 from Stanford University and was working toward a PhD in the subject at Harvard when he interrupted his studies for a yearlong trip to Europe, where he fell in love with European modernism.
After returning, in 1940 he enrolled Columbia to study art history. It was there that he met a group of exiled Parisian Surrealists, and encounter that proved influential on his style. Motherwell began to integrate the idea of “automatism” — unmediated gestures that reflect deeper psychological impulses — into his work, pioneering a new form of Abstract Expressionism that came to characterize the New York School.
Works like the 1967 Beside the Sea no. 45, an acrylic on canvas, and the 1966 lithograph New York International epitomize Motherwell’s use of simple shapes in boldly contrasting colors, executed in quick, gestural strokes that occasionally evoke figures, suggesting a latent narrative despite their obvious abstraction.
Throughout his career, Motherwell taught painting at Hunter College, in New York, and at Black Mountain College, in North Carolina, where his work influenced the likes of Cy Twombly, Robert Rauschenberg and Kenneth Noland. His influence as one of the founding fathers of American Abstract Expressionism remains profound.
| Average Sold Price |
| $2,121 |
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Mexican Elegy (Belknap 354-380; Engberg/Banach 415-441), Three Poems
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Auburn Hills, MI
Lithograph on Japon à la main, attached with chine appliqué to vélin d’Arches paper. Paper Size: 21.5 x 17.875 inches. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Notes: From th...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell
Materials
Lithograph
Black Sun (Belknap 354-380; Engberg/Banach 415-441), Three Poems
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Auburn Hills, MI
Lithograph on Japon à la main, attached with chine appliqué to vélin d’Arches paper. Paper Size: 21.5 x 17.875 inches. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Notes: From th...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell
Materials
Lithograph
Large Abstract Expressionist Lithograph SIlkscreen Robert Motherwell St Michael
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Surfside, FL
Robert Motherwell, American, 1915-1991
St. Michel III
1979
Lithograph and Screenprint
On handmade paper
Hand signed in white pencil and numbered 71/99.
Dimensions: Sight 40 3/4 x 32 ...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell
Materials
Lithograph, Screen
Untitled, Minimalist Abstract Etching by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Untitled
Robert Motherwell, American (1915–1991)
Date: 1973
Lift-Ground Etching with Aquatint on Arches Paper, signed and numbered in pencil
Edition of AP VIII/X
Size: 41.5 x 29.5 in...
Category
1970s Minimalist Robert Motherwell
Materials
Etching, Aquatint
Greenwich Arts Council Poster /// Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell NY
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Robert Motherwell (American, 1915-1992)
Title: "Greenwich Arts Council"
*Issued unsigned, though signed by Motherwell in the plate (printed signature) center right
Year: 1976
Medium: Original Lithograph, Exhibition Poster on Strathmore paper
Limited edition: 700. (There was also a signed and numbered edition of 42)
Printer: Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Mount Kisco, NY
Publisher: Greenwich Arts Council, Greenwich, CT
Reference: "The Prints of Robert Motherwell - A Catalogue Raisonné 1943-1984" - Belknap Appendix: No. 28, page 282; "Robert Motherwell - The Complete Prints 1940-1991" - Engberg No. 202
Sheet size: 37.25" x 23"
Condition: Never framed, has been professionally stored away for decades. Some minor edge wear. In excellent condition
Rare
Notes:
Printed in three colors: black, green, and cream. Poster produced for a special exhibition "Sculpture 76" at The Greenwich Arts Council, Greenwich, CT from June - October, 1976. The image featured on this poster is Motherwell's 1972 acrylic painting on paper "Greenwich Sculpture". Artist's copyright lower left and printer's imprint lower right.
GIA Gallery Poster Disclaimer:
Not to be confused with thousands of contemporary inkjet/giclée/digital reproductions ignorantly or deliberately passed off as originals on the market today. The examples we offer here are the original period vintage (exhibition) posters, created and designed by, or under the supervision and authorization of the artist or their respective estate (posthumously), for various exhibitions and events in which they participated. If applicable, this poster is also fully documented within its respective artists' official catalogue raisonné of authentic graphic works, prints, and or posters.
Biography:
Robert Motherwell was born January 24, 1915, in Aberdeen, Washington. He was awarded a fellowship to the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles at age 11, and in 1932 studied painting briefly at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Motherwell received a B.A. from Stanford University in 1937 and enrolled for graduate work later that year in the Department of Philosophy at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. He traveled to Europe in 1938 for a year of study abroad. His first solo show was presented at the Raymond Duncan...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell
Materials
Lithograph
Tricolor (from XXe Siecle)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Robert Motherwell
Title: Tricolor (from XXe Siecle)
Medium: Lithograph
Date: 1973
Edition: Unnumbered
Frame Size: 18 1/2" x 16 1/2"
Sheet Size: 12 1/2" x 10 1/2"
Signature: U...
Category
1970s Abstract Robert Motherwell
Materials
Lithograph
No. 6 from Three Poems, Abstract Lithograph by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Robert Motherwell, American (1915 - 1991)
Title: No. 2 from Three Poems, collaboration with Octavio Paz
Year: 1987
Medium: Lithograph on Japon with Chine Colle
Edition: 750
...
Category
1980s Modern Robert Motherwell
Materials
Rice Paper, Lithograph
Art 1981 Chicago Print (Signed and Numbered) 79/150
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Three Oaks, MI
This classic lithograph by renowned artist Robert Motherwell was created for the 1981 art Chicago show at Navy Pier. Motherwell was known for his bold forms and vibrant colors, makin...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell
Materials
Lithograph
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Robert Motherwell Sale Prices
This data represents a recent sample of sales made on 1stDibs during the specified years. All sales are anonymized.
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| $2,121 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $100-$5,175 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
Artists Similar to Robert Motherwell
Robert Motherwell art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Robert Motherwell art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of orange, red, blue and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Robert Motherwell in lithograph, etching, paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Robert Motherwell art, so small editions measuring 1 inch across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Sam Francis, Paul Jenkins, and Helen Frankenthaler. Robert Motherwell art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $150 and tops out at $3,600,000, while the average work can sell for $9,500.
Questions About Robert Motherwell
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024No, Robert Motherwell was not a Surrealist painter. The American artist was the youngest member of the New York School, a group of Abstract Expressionists working in art, dance, poetry and music in the 1950s and '60s. However, Motherwell did meet a group of exiled Parisian Surrealists while attending Columbia University to study art history in the 1940s. This encounter proved influential in his style. Inspired by their work, Motherwell began to integrate the idea of “automatism," unmediated gestures that reflect deeper psychological impulses, into his work, pioneering a new form of Abstract Expressionism that came to characterize the New York School. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Robert Motherwell art.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Robert Motherwell was a part of the art movement called Abstract Expressionism. Artists who participated in the movement sought to express emotions through abstract forms. You'll find a range of Robert Motherwell art from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.