Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VIII
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Banach 'Robert Motherwell: The Complete Prints 1940-1991. Catalogue Raisonne', Walker Art Center and
Handmade Paper, Color, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VIII
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué to Arches paper. Siri Engberg and Joan Banach 'Robert Motherwell: The
Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VIII
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from Mylar...
Handmade Paper, Color, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VI
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from Mylar to...
Handmade Paper, Color, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Red Samurai
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph, linoleum block print, and chine appliqué, Edition of 50 CR 435 Paper:Arches paper; Japanese Masa Dosa handmade paper Production Sequence:4 colors (including 1 colored pap...
Lithograph
Red Samurai, from Octavio Paz suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Red Samurai, from Octavio Paz suite 1987-88 Lithograph and linoleum cut in
Handmade Paper, Lithograph, Linocut
$136Sale Price|20% Off
H 20 in W 24 in
FACE OF THE NIGHT(Octavio Paz)Lithograph on Arches Paper, Abstract Expressionist
By (after) Robert Motherwell
Located in Union City, NJ
FACE OF THE NIGHT (For Octavio Paz) is a limited run lithograph poster printed in multiple colors
Lithograph
$28,000
H 48 in W 65 in D 2 in
Large Robert Motherwell Lithograph Abstract Expressionist Lament for Lorca 1982
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Surfside, FL
, especially Mallarmé, James Joyce, Edgar Allan Poe, and Octavio Paz. This passion stayed with Motherwell for
Lithograph
$2,000
H 22.25 in W 29.5 in
Three Poems: Mexico City Personages I, Abstract Lithograph by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Three Poems: Mexico City Personages I Robert Motherwell, American (1915–1991) Portfolio: Octavio
Lithograph
$2,000
H 22.25 in W 29.5 in
Three Poems: Mexico City Personages II, Abstract Lithograph by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Three Poems: Mexico City Personages II Robert Motherwell, American (1915–1991) Portfolio: Octavio
Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Return
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Lithograph & Chine Colle Edition of 50 28 1/4 x 19 3/8 inches Initialed MOTX424A
Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VIII
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Lithograph and chine applique Edition of 50 25 3/8 x 21 1/4 inches Initialed MOTX422A
Lithograph
Return, from Three Poems by Octavio Paz
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edition of 50 plus 10 artist's proofs Initialed in pencil lower right and numbered
Lithograph
Robert Motherwell "Untitled (Octavio Paz Suite)"
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Robert Motherwell (1915-1991), alongside Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, made
Lithograph
Sold
H 21 in W 25 in
Untitled Etching from Octavio Paz, Three Poems by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Robert Motherwell, American (1915 - 1991) Title: Octavio Paz, Three Poems 15 Year: 1987
Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Llithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper
Color, Handmade Paper, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 71.8 x 49.2 cms (28 1/4 x 19 3/8 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred fro...
Color, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Return
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Edition of 50 71.8 x 49.2 cms (28 1/4 x 19 2/5 ins)
Lithograph
Octavio Paz, Three Poems 6
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Robert Motherwell, American (1915 - 1991) Title: Octavio Paz, Three Poems 6 Year: 1987
Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VII
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from ...
Color, Handmade Paper, Lithograph
Octavio Paz, Three Poems 27
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
Lithograph on Japon with Chine Colle Edition: 750
Octavio Paz, Three Poems 24
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
Lithograph on Japon with Chine Colle Edition of 750
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VII
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from Mylar ...
Handmade Paper, Color, Lithograph
Samurai (Octavio Paz Suite), Lithograph, 1988
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Toronto, Ontario
English. "Red Samurai" from the Octavio Paz Suite of lithographs, is a paradigm of Motherwell's oeuvre
Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Mexico City Personages III
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Llithograph and chine appliqué 66.7 x 80.7 cms (26 1/4 x 31 3/4 ins) Edition of 50 Paper:Arches paper; Japanese Yame handmade paper Other Collaborators:Image transferred from...
Color, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: A Throw of the Dice
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 2/5 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition of 50
Lithograph
Vasa Mihich "Sphere" Sculpture
By Vasa Velizar Mihich
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Motherwell's "Untitled (Octavio Paz Suite)" 1987
Acrylic Polymer
Octavio Paz Suite: Wind
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 58.1 x 71.1 cms (22 7/8 x 28 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper
Color, Handmade Paper, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper
Color, Handmade Paper, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Return
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Edition of 50 71.8 x 49.2 cms (28 1/4 x 19 2/5 ins)
Lithograph
Octavio Paz, Three Poems 3
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Robert Motherwell, American (1915 - 1991) Title: Octavio Paz, Three Poems 3 Year: 1987
Lithograph
Octavio Paz, Three Poems 18
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Robert Motherwell, American (1915 - 1991) Title: Octavio Paz, Three Poems 18 Year: 1987
Rice Paper, Lithograph
NOCTURNE II (FROM 'OCTAVIO PAZ')
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Buffalo, NY
Alongside Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, Robert Motherwell is considered one
Lithograph, Paper
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne III
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from...
Color, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne V
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from My...
Color, Handmade Paper, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Burnt Water
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 71.8 x 57.2 cms (28 1/4 x 22 1/2 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Yame handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from...
Color, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne IV
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from...
Color, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VIII
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from...
Color, Handmade Paper, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne IV
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from Mylar...
Color, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VIII
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition of 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from Mylar...
Handmade Paper, Color, Lithograph
Composition XXV (Octavio Paz Suite - Three Poems)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Robert Motherwell (1915-1991), alongside Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, made
Lithograph
Three Poems: Nocturne I, collaboration with Octavio Paz
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Robert Motherwell, American (1915 - 1991) Title: No. 2 from Three Poems, collaboration with
Lithograph
No. 26 from Three Poems, collaboration with Octavio Paz
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Robert Motherwell, American (1915 - 1991) Title: No. 25 from Three Poems, collaboration
Rice Paper, Lithograph
No. 25 from Three Poems, collaboration with Octavio Paz
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Robert Motherwell, American (1915 - 1991) Title: No. 25 from Three Poems, collaboration
Rice Paper, Lithograph
No. 1 from Three Poems, collaboration with Octavio Paz
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Robert Motherwell, American (1915 - 1991) Title: No. 2 from Three Poems, collaboration with
Lithograph
Sold
H 25.6 in W 21.46 in
Composition XVII, from: Octavio Paz – Three Poems - ModernAmerican Abstract
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
ROBERT MOTHERWELL 1915-1991 Aberdeen, Washington 1915 - 1991 Provincetown, Massachusetts (American
Lithograph
At This Hour (From the Octavio Paz Suite)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in New York, NY
This original lithograph with Chine Appliqué was created by the artist in 1988. Signed in pencil and numbered, from the edition of 20 measuring 36 x 21.25 in. (91.4 x 53.3 cm.). (F...
Lithograph
Sold
H 25.6 in W 21.46 in
Composition VII, from: Octavio Paz – Three Poems - Abstract American
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
was published by The Limited Editions Club, New York This is the seventh of 27 lithographs by Robert
Lithograph
Sold
H 20 in W 24 in D 0.125 in
FACE OF THE NIGHT(Octavio Paz) Hand Lithography Poster, Abstract Expressionist
By (after) Robert Motherwell
Located in Union City, NJ
FACE OF THE NIGHT (For Octavio Paz) is a limited run lithograph exhibition poster printed in
Lithograph
Sold
H 20 in W 24 in D 0.125 in
FACE OF THE NIGHT(Octavio Paz) Hand Lithography Poster, Abstract Expressionist
By (after) Robert Motherwell
Located in Union City, NJ
FACE OF THE NIGHT (For Octavio Paz) is a limited run lithograph exhibition poster printed in
Lithograph
Sold
H 20 in W 24 in D 0.125 in
FACE OF THE NIGHT(Octavio Paz) Hand Lithography Poster, Abstract Expressionist
By (after) Robert Motherwell
Located in Union City, NJ
FACE OF THE NIGHT (For Octavio Paz) is a limited run lithograph exhibition poster printed in
Lithograph
Sold
H 20 in W 24 in D 0.125 in
FACE OF THE NIGHT(Octavio Paz) Hand Lithography Poster, Abstract Expressionist
By (after) Robert Motherwell
Located in Union City, NJ
FACE OF THE NIGHT (For Octavio Paz) is a limited run lithograph exhibition poster printed in
Lithograph
Sold
H 20 in W 24 in
FACE OF THE NIGHT(Octavio Paz) Hand Lithography Poster, Abstract Expressionist
By (after) Robert Motherwell
Located in Union City, NJ
FACE OF THE NIGHT (For Octavio Paz) is a limited run lithograph exhibition poster printed in
Lithograph
Sold
H 20 in W 24 in
FACE OF THE NIGHT(Octavio Paz) Hand Lithography Poster, Abstract Expressionist
By (after) Robert Motherwell
Located in Union City, NJ
FACE OF THE NIGHT (For Octavio Paz) is a limited run lithograph exhibition poster printed in
Lithograph
Sold
H 20 in W 24 in
FACE OF THE NIGHT(Octavio Paz)Lithograph Abstract Expressionist, Black Red Gold
By (after) Robert Motherwell
Located in Union City, NJ
FACE OF THE NIGHT (For Octavio Paz) is a limited run lithograph exhibition poster printed in
Lithograph
Sold
H 20 in W 24 in
FACE OF THE NIGHT(Octavio Paz)Lithograph on Arches Paper, Abstract Expressionist
By (after) Robert Motherwell
Located in Union City, NJ
FACE OF THE NIGHT (For Octavio Paz) is a limited run lithograph exhibition poster printed in
Lithograph
Red Wind, from the Octavio Paz suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Robert MOTHERWELL (1915-1991) Red Wind, from the Octavio Paz suite, 1987-88 Lithograph Image: 9 1/5
Wind, from the Octavio Paz Suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Edition of 50 Initialed and numbered, lower right $5,000 and under
Wind, from the Octavio Paz Suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Initialed and numbered, lower right Edition of 50 plus 10 artist's proofs & various other proofs
Red Wind, from the Octavio Paz suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edition of 50 + 10 AP's numbered I-X + 5 TP's + 5 HC's; Initialed and numbered, lower right
Lithograph
Return, from Three Poems by Octavio Paz
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Edition of 50
Initialed and numbered in pencil
$5,000 and under
Lithograph
Nocturne IV, from the Octavio Paz Suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Edition of 50 Initialed and numbered in pencil
Nocturne VI, from the Octavio Paz Suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Edition of 50 Initialed and numbered, lower right $5,000 and under
Nocturne II, from the Octavio Paz Suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Edition of 50 Initialed and numbered, lower right
Mexican Elegy, from the Octavio Paz Suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Edition of 50 Initaled and numbered, lower right
Mexican Elegy, from the Octavio Paz suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Initialed and numbered, lower right Edition of 50 plus 10 artist's proofs & various other proofs
Red Samurai, from the Octavio Paz Suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Initialed and numbered, lower right Edition of 50 plus 10 artist's proofs & various other proofs
$1,600
H 16 in W 22.88 in
Untitled (One Cent Life) /// Joan Mitchell Female Artist Abstract Expressionism
By Joan Mitchell
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Joan Mitchell (American, 1925-1992) Title: "Untitled" (Page 92-93) Portfolio: One Cent Life *Unsigned edition Year: 1964 Medium: Original Lithograph on wove paper Limited edi...
Lithograph
$6,376 / set
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the IDEA is to create special pieces that you can bu...
Hardwood
$2,052 / item
H 40 in W 30 in D 0.03 in
"Les Terrains" Signed Limited Edition Art Print by Christiane Lemieux - 30"x40"
Located in New York, NY
Our first limited edition fine art print “Les Terrains” is an emotive abstract landscape translated in gouache, charcoal and pastel. Created by artist Christiane Lemieux, there will ...
Paper
$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$3,600
H 29 in W 23 in
Keith Haring Fun Gallery exhibition poster 1983 (vintage Keith Haring)
By Keith Haring
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Keith Haring Fun Gallery 1983: Original 1983 Keith Haring illustrated exhibition poster published on the occasion of Haring's historic 1983 show at the Fun Gallery in the East Villag...
Lithograph, Offset
$7,196Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.93 in W 9.81 in
Composition, Heart of Darkness, Sean Scully
By Sean Scully
Located in Southampton, NY
Etching in colors on vélin de Lana Royal paper. Paper Size: 11.93 x 9.81 inches. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Notes: From the album, Heart of Darkness, 1992. Publ...
Etching
$12,000
H 24 in W 28 in D 1.5 in
Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) "Peintre et modèle avec un noeud dans les cheveux"
By Pablo Picasso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pablo Picasso 1881–1973 "Peintre et modèle avec un noeud dans les cheveux" 1964 etching and aquatint on BFK Rives image: 10¾ h × 15 w in (27 × 38 cm) sheet: 15 h × 18⅞ w in (38 × 48 ...
Etching, Aquatint
Spring Run XVI
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Vivid color monotype by American Abstract Expressionist artist Helen Frankenthaler, signed by the artist in pencil, lower right. Printed and published in collaboration with Tyler Gr...
Monotype
Untitled
By Jasper Johns
Located in New York, NY
Jasper Johns Untitled 2010 Intaglio on Revere Standard White 19 x 21 1/2 inches 48 x 55 cm Edition of 50 Signed, dated, and numbered in graphite (lower recto) Frame available upon r...
Intaglio, Etching
Sérigraphie No. 18
By Pierre Soulages
Located in New York, NY
A superb impression of this color screenprint on white wove paper. Signed and numbered XC/CCC in pencil by Soulages. Published by the Olympic Games Committee, Lausanne. From the "Off...
Color, Screen
$1,250
H 29 in W 23.5 in
Metamorphosis of Zan Biell, Abstract Woodcut on Rice Paper by Keisuke Serizawa
By Keisuke Serizawa
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Keisuke Serizawa, Japanese (1895-1984) Title: Metamorphosis of Zan Biell Year: circa 1970 Medium: Woodcut on Rice Paper, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP Size: 29 x...
Rice Paper, Woodcut
Paroles peintes III: Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Open-bite etching printed in dark, brownish black on fibrous Japan paper 38 x 28 cms (14 7/8 x 11 1/8 ins) Edition of 200 in three numbered segments
Etching
Elegy Study
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph on Twinrocker handmade paper 1979 64.1 x 95.3 cm (25 1/4 x 37 1/2 inches)
Lithograph
Delos
By Robert Motherwell
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this color lithograph on TGL handmade paper. Initialed and numbered 6/40 in pencil. Printed and published by Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Mount Kisco, with the bli...
Handmade Paper, Color, Lithograph
Gesture I (State I)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Aquatint, lift-ground etching and aquatint on J.B. Green paper 89.5 x 66.7 cms (35 1/4 x 26 1/4 ins) Edition of 75
Color, Lithograph
Alexander Street
By Howard Hodgkin
Located in New York, NY
A superb impression of this color lithograph with hand coloring in watercolor and gouache on Velin Arches mould-made paper. Signed, dated and numbered 88/90 in pencil by Hodgkin. Pri...
Watercolor, Gouache, Handmade Paper, Color, Lithograph
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.
Decorating with fine art prints — whether they’re figurative prints, abstract prints or another variety — has always been a practical way of bringing a space to life as well as bringing works by an artist you love into your home.
Pursued in the 1960s and ’70s, largely by Pop artists drawn to its associations with mass production, advertising, packaging and seriality, as well as those challenging the primacy of the Abstract Expressionist brushstroke, printmaking was embraced in the 1980s by painters and conceptual artists ranging from David Salle and Elizabeth Murray to Adrian Piper and Sherrie Levine.
Printmaking is the transfer of an image from one surface to another. An artist takes a material like stone, metal, wood or wax, carves, incises, draws or otherwise marks it with an image, inks or paints it and then transfers the image to a piece of paper or other material.
Fine art prints are frequently confused with their more commercial counterparts. After all, our closest connection to the printed image is through mass-produced newspapers, magazines and books, and many people don’t realize that even though prints are editions, they start with an original image created by an artist with the intent of reproducing it in a small batch. Fine art prints are created in strictly limited editions — 20 or 30 or maybe 50 — and are always based on an image created specifically to be made into an edition.
Many people think of revered Dutch artist Rembrandt as a painter but may not know that he was a printmaker as well. His prints have been preserved in time along with the work of other celebrated printmakers such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol. These fine art prints are still highly sought after by collectors.
“It’s another tool in the artist’s toolbox, just like painting or sculpture or anything else that an artist uses in the service of mark making or expressing him- or herself,” says International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFPDA) vice president Betsy Senior, of New York’s Betsy Senior Fine Art, Inc.
Because artist’s editions tend to be more affordable and available than his or her unique works, they’re more accessible and can be a great opportunity to bring a variety of colors, textures and shapes into a space.
For tight corners, select small fine art prints as opposed to the oversized bold piece you’ll hang as a focal point in the dining area. But be careful not to choose something that is too big for your space. And feel free to lean into it if need be — not every work needs picture-hanging hooks. Leaning a larger fine art print against the wall behind a bookcase can add a stylish installation-type dynamic to your living room. (Read more about how to arrange wall art here.)
Find fine art prints for sale on 1stDibs today.