Al Held Art

American, 1928-2005

Alvin Jacob Held, (1928-2005) Al Held earned his slot in the annals of American contemporary art with his bold, geometric canvases that took abstraction to another level. His free-floating, interlocked cubes, and planes invited the viewer into a vertigo-inducing landscape that seemed to stretch on into infinity. "Immense architectural structures curve and slice through these complex paintings, often enmeshing themselves in cellular structures," noted the Times of London. "Viewers felt that they were exploring some mysterious universe, and Held never lost his passionate belief in abstract painting's ability to create a sublime new world." Held grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and as a teenager, missed so many days of high school that it was suggested he consider leaving altogether. He eventually earned a night-school diploma, and spent two years in the U.S. Navy. Back in New York City, he enrolled in classes at the Art Students League, and went on to study at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris in the early 1950s. The first solo exhibition of his work was staged there, in 1952 at the Galerie Huit. Held's abstract work took on a more orderly, formal tone, aided by a switch from oil to acrylic paints in 1959, and he had his first solo show in New York City that same year at the Poindexter Gallery. "Finessing the gap between Minimalism and Color Field painting," wrote New York Times journalist Ken Johnson of the next decade of Held's career, "he produced smooth, simplified works based on enlarged letters of the alphabet. And in the late '60s and '70s he made complex black-and-white pictures of sharply outlined cubes, pyramids, and other geometric shapes floating in illusory spaces of indeterminate depth." Some of Held's best-known works are those floating black and white cubes, a series he began in 1967. One of the largest, which stretches more than 90 feet in length, was installed at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York. In the late 1970s, in an abrupt shift, he began using color again, and the geometric shapes became so precise that they were sometimes mistaken for computer-generated art. Held considered his images not unlike those of religious art, once telling an interviewer that "historically, the priests and wise men believed that it was the artist's job to make images of heaven and hell believable, even though nobody had experienced these places," he said, according to his Chicago Tribune obituary. Held spent 20 years teaching at Yale University's. Represented by the Robert Miller Gallery in New York City, which staged what would be his last exhibition of new work in 2003, Held's works were avidly sought by contemporary-art enthusiasts around the world, and were part of the permanent collections of many institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. — Carol Brennan

Artist: Al Held

Al HeldRussell's Way, Large Colorful Geometric Abstract Etching by Al Held, 1969

$4,800

Russell's Way, Large Colorful Geometric Abstract Etching by Al Held

By Al Held

Located in Long Island City, NY

Russell’s Way by Al Held, American (1928–2005) Date: 1969 Aquatint on Somerset paper, signed, dated, and numbered in pencil verso Edition of 37/50 Image Size: 35.5 x 44.5 inches Size...

Category

1960s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Al HeldScholes II, 1991

$1,760Sale Price|20% Off

Scholes II

By Al Held

Located in Austin, TX

Artist: Al Held (American, 1928–2005) Title: Scholes II Year: 1991 Medium Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition Number 18/80 Print Size: 29h x 34w in. (73.66 x 86.36 cm)...

Category

1990s Hard-Edge Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Al HeldStone Ridge #4, Abstract Geometric Etching by Al Held, 1983

$2,600

Stone Ridge #4, Abstract Geometric Etching by Al Held

By Al Held

Located in Long Island City, NY

Al Held, American (1928 - 2005) - Stone Ridge #4, Year: 1983, Medium: Etching, signed and dated in pencil on verso, Edition: 65, Size: 26.5 x 40 in. (67.31 x 101.6 cm), Publisher...

Category

1980s Abstract Al Held Art

Materials

Etching

Al HeldScholes II, Screenprint by Al Held, 1991

$2,500

Scholes II, Screenprint by Al Held

By Al Held

Located in Long Island City, NY

Artist: Al Held, American (1928 - 2005) Title: Scholes II Year: 1991 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 80 Image Size: 23 x 29 inches Size: 29 x 34 in. (73.66...

Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Al HeldScholes I, Large Framed Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Al Held, 1991

$2,500

Scholes I, Large Framed Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Al Held

By Al Held

Located in Long Island City, NY

Artist: Al Held, American (1928 - 2005) Title: Scholes I Year: 1991 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 80 Image Size: 23 x 29 inches Size: 29 x 34 in. (73.66...

Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Al HeldPutu, Large Colorful Geometric Abstract Etching by Al Held, 1988

$4,800

Putu, Large Colorful Geometric Abstract Etching by Al Held

By Al Held

Located in Long Island City, NY

Putu by Al Held, American (1928–2005) Date: 1988 Aquatint Etching, signed, numbered and dated in pencil verso Edition of 16/25 Image Size: 35.5 x 44.5 inches Size: 41 in. x 53.5 in. ...

Category

1980s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Al HeldUntitled - 20th Century Brightly Colored Print, Yellow, Red, Green + Grey Circle, 1968

$3,430

Untitled - 20th Century Brightly Colored Print, Yellow, Red, Green + Grey Circle

By Al Held

Located in Kingsclere, GB

Born in Brooklyn in 1928 to Polish immigrants, Al Held claims to have been expelled from high school in the Bronx in 1944. After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1947, Held asso...

Category

20th Century Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Al HeldRUSSELL'S WAY, 1989

$7,500

RUSSELL'S WAY

By Al Held

Located in Three Oaks, MI

In excellent condition from an edition of 50, this piece is beautifully framed in museum-quality materials. Al Held is best remembered for his large-scale paintings of bright, hard-e...

Category

1880s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Etching, Aquatint

Al HeldUntitled "D", 1961

$75,000

Untitled "D"

By Al Held

Located in London, GB

Signed and dated 'Al Held 61' (lower right) Price: $75,000 (+5% import VAT) Provenance: Robert Miller Gallery, New York (stock no.1179359 HELD-0075) Private collection, New York Private collection, New York (acquired from the above in 2012) Exhibited: New York, Queens Museum; Norfolk, Virginia, Chrysler Museum; Maine, Portland Museum of Art; Miami Beach, Bass Museum of Art; Washington, D.C., The Phillips Collection...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Acrylic

Al HeldScholes I, 1991

Price Upon Request

Scholes I

By Al Held

Located in New York, NY

This screenprint was created by the artist in 1991. Signed in pencil and numbered from the edition of 80 measuring 29 x 34 in. (73.7 x 86.4 cm.). Published by The Metropolitan Museu...

Category

20th Century Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Al HeldScholes II, 1991

Price Upon Request

Scholes II

By Al Held

Located in New York, NY

This screenprint was created by the artist in 1991. Signed in pencil and numbered from the edition of 80 measuring 29 x 34 in. (73.7 x 86.4 cm.). Published by The Metropolitan Museu...

Category

20th Century Contemporary Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Al HeldPachinko, 1989

Price Upon Request

Pachinko

By Al Held

Located in San Francisco, CA

Category

Al Held Art

Ian TysonUntitled #1, 1970

$600

H 25 in W 38 in D 0.01 in

Untitled #1

By Ian Tyson

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork "Untitled #1" 1970 is an original silkscreen on Wove paper by noted British artist Ian Tyson, born 1933. It is hand signed, dated and numbered 60/75 in pencil by the art...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Josef AlbersVariant I /// Josef Albers Abstract Geometric Screenprint Minimalism Bauhaus Art, 1967

$3,000

H 17.07 in W 17 in

Variant I /// Josef Albers Abstract Geometric Screenprint Minimalism Bauhaus Art

By Josef Albers

Located in Saint Augustine, FL

Artist: Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "Variant I" Portfolio: Ten Variants *Unsigned edition Year: 1967 Medium: Original Screenprint on Rives BFK paper Limited edit...

Category

1960s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Max BillUntitled from "Kinderstern" - Max Bill, Hard Edge, Color Field, Bright Colors, 1989

$2,327

H 29.93 in W 22.84 in

Untitled from "Kinderstern" - Max Bill, Hard Edge, Color Field, Bright Colors

By Max Bill

Located in Köln, DE

Screenprint by Max Bill. From the portfolio "Kinderstern". No Title, 1989 76 x 58 cm Copy 61/100 Edition of 100 (approx.)

Category

1980s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Paul M. LevyAbstract Geometric 1970s Vintage Silkscreen Screen Print Manner of Vasarely, 1970

$500

H 24 in W 24 in

Abstract Geometric 1970s Vintage Silkscreen Screen Print Manner of Vasarely

By Paul M. Levy

Located in Surfside, FL

Paul Levy (American, b. 1944) An established designer and illustrator, Paul M. Levy was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1944. He received his B.S. in Industrial Design from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio in 1968, returning later to do independent study there. He also did independent study at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York, in 1969 and received an M.F.A. in Sculpture and Printmaking from Ohio University, Athens. From 1964 through 1971 he worked for design firms in Ohio, New York and California. From 1971 through 1973 he taught at the University of Cincinnati and Ohio University, Athens. He has exhibited in galleries, museums and art groups. In 1971 he was one of a number of artists who created enormous outdoor murals in a Cincinnati project called "Urban Walls." His graphic designs and illustrations for such firms as Container Corporation of America have appeared in publications such as Fortune, Business Week...

Category

1970s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Howard BradfordUntitled #1, 1978

$298

H 26 in W 17 in D 0.01 in

Untitled #1

By Howard Bradford

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork "untitled #1" 1978 is an original color serigraph on Wove paper by Canadian/American artist Howard Bradford, 1919-2008. It is hand signed,...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Jean DeyrolleFrench Avant Garde Bold Abstract Geometric Aquatint Etching Op Art Kinetic, 1967

$1,200

H 22 in W 15.2 in

French Avant Garde Bold Abstract Geometric Aquatint Etching Op Art Kinetic

By Jean Deyrolle

Located in Surfside, FL

Original etching, aquaforte, aquatint engraving. Hand pencil signed and numbered. Published by Editions Denise René, Paris. Number: 10 from the folio edition of 120 which were on ...

Category

1960s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

(after) Josef AlbersJosef Albers, Color Abstract Screenprint, Homage to the Square, 1977, Framed, 1977

$1,495

H 14.88 in W 14.88 in

Josef Albers, Color Abstract Screenprint, Homage to the Square, 1977, Framed

By (after) Josef Albers

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: Josef Albers Title: Homage to the Square Medium: Screenprint Date: 1977 Edition: 1500 Image Size: 8 1/4" x 8 1/4" Sheet Size: 9" x 9 1/2" Frame Size: 14 7/8" x 14 7/8" Signat...

Category

1970s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Jean DeyrolleFrench Avant Garde Bold Abstract Geometric Aquatint Etching Op Art Kinetic, 1967

$1,200

H 22 in W 15.2 in

French Avant Garde Bold Abstract Geometric Aquatint Etching Op Art Kinetic

By Jean Deyrolle

Located in Surfside, FL

Original etching, aquaforte, aquatint engraving. Hand pencil signed and numbered. Published by Editions Denise René, Paris. Number: 10 from the folio edition of 120 which were on ...

Category

1960s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Risaburo KimuraCity 368, circa 1972

$750

H 28.75 in W 22.75 in D 0.1 in

City 368

By Risaburo Kimura

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist: Risaburo Kimura– Japanese/American (1924-2014 ) Title: City 368 Year: circa 1972 Medium: Serigraph Sight size: 25 x 19.75 inches. Sheet size: 28.75 x 22.75 inches. Signatur...

Category

1970s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Paper, Screen

Frank StellaFortin de las Flores, 1973

$14,500

H 2,116 in W 22 in

Fortin de las Flores

By Frank Stella

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Frank Stella's work references many of the key developments or movements in post-war American art; Op Art, hard-edge abstraction, conceptual art, and Minimalism. His iconic concentri...

Category

1970s Hard-Edge Al Held Art

Materials

Lithograph

Howard BradfordLove, 1978

$595

H 25.25 in W 39 in D 0.01 in

Love

By Howard Bradford

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork titled "Love" 1978 is an original color serigraph on Wove paper by Canadian/American artist Howard Bradford, 1919-2008. It is hand signed,...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Max BillAbstract Composition - Screen Print by Max Bill - 1970s, 1970s

$1,081

H 31.89 in W 25.6 in D 0.08 in

Abstract Composition - Screen Print by Max Bill - 1970s

By Max Bill

Located in Roma, IT

Abstract Composition is an original Screen Print realized by Max Bill in 1970s. Good conditions. The artwork is depicted harmonious colors in a well-balanced composition.

Category

1970s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Previously Available Items

Al HeldUntitled (Cubes), 1969

Sold

H 41.5 in W 31.5 in D 1.25 in

Untitled (Cubes)

By Al Held

Located in Astoria, NY

Al Held (American, 1928-2005), Untitled (Cubes), Lithograph on Strathmore Paper, 1969, signed in pencil and numbered edition "67 / 100" to verso, Strathmore blindstamp lower right co...

Category

1960s Post-Modern Al Held Art

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Al HeldCamerata XVI, 1989

Sold

H 18 in W 23.75 in

Camerata XVI

By Al Held

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Al Held (1928-2005) was one of the most prominent and successful American artists. associated with the hard-edge painting. He was a pioneer in the evolution of abstraction and redefi...

Category

1980s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Watercolor

Al HeldScholes I, 1991

Sold

H 40 in W 45.5 in

Scholes I

By Al Held

Located in Long Island City, NY

Artist: Al Held, American (1928 - 2005) Title: Scholes I Year: 1991 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 80 Image Size: 23 x 29 inches Size: 29 x 34 in. (73.66 ...

Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Al HeldRussell's Way, 1989

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H 35.25 in W 44.5 in

Russell's Way

By Al Held

Located in New York, NY

Al Held Russell's Way, 1989 color aquatint on Somerset paper 35.25h x 44.50w in

Category

1980s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Etching

Al HeldLiv, Large Colorful Geometric Abstract by Al Held, 1992

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H 41 in W 54 in

Liv, Large Colorful Geometric Abstract by Al Held

By Al Held

Located in Long Island City, NY

Artist: Al Held, American (1928 - 2005) Title: Liv Year: 1992 Medium: Etching with aquatint on paper, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 16/30 Image Size: 35.5 x 44.5 inches Size...

Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Al HeldScholes, 1, 1991

Sold

H 23 in W 29 in

Scholes, 1

By Al Held

Located in Fairlawn, OH

Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist lower right Edition: 80 (3/80) Published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Mezzanine Gallery, New York, with their blindstamp lower...

Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Al HeldScholes II, 1991

Sold

H 29 in W 34 in D 2 in

Scholes II

By Al Held

Located in Fairlawn, OH

Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist lower right Edition: 80 (3/80) Published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Mezzanine Gallery, New York, with their blindstamp lower...

Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Al HeldStone Ridge #1, 1983

Sold

H 32 in W 45 in D 1 in

Stone Ridge #1

By Al Held

Located in Austin, TX

Artist: Al Held Title: Stone Ridge #1 Year: 1983 Medium: Color etching Edition number 53/65 numbered on verso. Signed on verso "Al Held 83 53/65 AH.106.A" ...

Category

1980s Abstract Al Held Art

Materials

Etching

Al HeldMagenta, 1990

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H 48 in W 61 in D 3 in

Magenta

By Al Held

Located in Austin, TX

Artist: Al Held Title: Magenta Year: 1990 Medium: Color aquatint with spit bite aquatint Edition: 37/50 Signed, dated, and numbered verso Dimension: image: 35.5"h x 44.75"w, sheet: 4...

Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Aquatint

Al HeldIndigo, 1990

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H 48 in W 61 in D 3 in

Indigo

By Al Held

Located in Austin, TX

Artist: Al Held (American, 1928-2005) Title: "Indigo" Year: 1990 Medium: Color aquatint with spit bite aquatint Signed, dated, and numbered verso Edition 32/50 Dimensions: image: 35....

Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Aquatint

Al HeldStone Ridge #4, 1983

Sold

H 32 in W 45 in D 1 in

Stone Ridge #4

By Al Held

Located in Austin, TX

Artist: Al Held Title: Stone Ridge #4 Year: 1983 Medium: Color etching Edition number 53/65 numbered on verso. Signed on verso "Al Held 83 53/65 AH.106.A" ...

Category

1980s Abstract Al Held Art

Materials

Etching

Al HeldLiv, 1992

Sold

H 40.5 in W 54 in

Liv

By Al Held

Located in New York, NY

1992, color hardground etching with aquatint, 40 1/2 x 54 inches (102.9 x 137.2 cm), edition of 30, signed, numbered, and dated on reverse

Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Al Held art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Al Held 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, blue, red and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Al Held in paint, screen print, acrylic 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 Al Held art, so small editions measuring 22 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Theodoros Stamos, Peter Voulkos, and Friedel Dzubas. Al Held art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,000 and tops out at $100,000, while the average work can sell for $5,565.