Prolific and pioneering painter Helen Frankenthaler said it was “a combination of impatience, laziness and innovation” that drove her to thin her paints with turpentine so that they would seep into the fabric of an unprimed canvas. Her breakthrough in the early 1950s led the way for a spellbinding new style of painting that would come to be known as Color Field.
Although Color Field is often considered a strain of Abstract Expressionism, Frankenthaler’s work differed from the gestural “Action Painting” that typified the paintings of artists like Willem de Kooning and Lee Krasner. Her vast and immersive expanses of color created at a fearless scale captivated art critics and greatly influenced her peers including Morris Louis and Kenneth Noland.
Frankenthaler knew from an early age that she wanted to be a painter. The youngest daughter of a New York State Supreme Court justice, she grew up on Manhattan’s Park Avenue and as a child delighted in the little ways color and form revealed themselves, whether dribbling red nail polish in a sink full of water or drawing her steps from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to her family’s apartment. As a student at Bennington College, her rare vision was enriched by the mentorship of painter Paul Feeley, who gave her lessons in Cubism. After dabbling in art history at Columbia University, she rented a studio downtown and befriended rising New York art stars like Jackson Pollock and Robert Motherwell, whom she later married.
Characterized by “direct, exuberant gestures,” the Abstract Expressionist technique was all about gusto, and Frankenthaler had it in spades. One of the few women of this era to garner widespread critical acclaim, Frankenthaler had a significant impact on the mid-20th-century art world. She exhibited in the high-profile 1951 Ninth Street Show and, in 1957, she appeared in a Life magazine spread on women artists photographed by Gordon Parks. In 1960, the Jewish Museum held her first major museum show, a retrospective of her 1950s work. A 1969 solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art further introduced Frankenthaler to the broader art world.
While Frankenthaler remains best known for bold, expressive “soak-stain” paintings such as Mountains and Sea (1952), she worked across diverse media for decades, with forays into woodcutting, drawing and printmaking that also pushed boundaries. She also taught at Harvard, Yale and Princeton, fostering generations of artists. She died in 2011.
Find original Helen Frankenthaler art on 1stDibs.
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 Graphics...
Monotype
Solar Imp
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Screenprint in colors on wove paper. Signed by the artist in pencil and also numbered 96/126 in pencil. Published by Lincoln Center List Poster and Print Program, New York. Second ...
Screen, Color
Tribal Sign
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Tribal Sign, 1987 Signed and dated in pencil with publisher's blindstamp Eleven color lithograph on mauve TGL handmade paper Sheet: 24 x 18.5 inches Frame: 33 x 27 inches Edition 25 ...
Color, Lithograph
Acrobat (detail), Limited Edition Porcelain Plate in bespoke gift box - Abstract
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
This porcelain/ceramic plate makes a gorgeous gift - in a bright blue bespoke box, ready to be gifted. Any fan of Helen Frankenthaler or Abstract Expressionist art would be thrilled!...
Porcelain, Screen, Cardboard, Mixed Media
"Sirocco" Mixographia
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
“Sirocco” by Helen Frankenthaler . Mixographia embossed engraving on handmade paper. Unique color from the regular numbered edition. 51/52. Hand signed by artist, dated 1989. Pri...
Ink, Handmade Paper
Ramblas
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Created by the artist in 1987-88, Ramblas is an original lithograph, drypoint, and etching in colors on Rives BFK paper. Hand-signed, dated, and numbered from the edition of 75 in pe...
Drypoint, Etching, Lithograph
Hand signed letter from Helen Frankenthaler framed + Arkatov's signed portrait
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
This work features a photographic portrait of Helen Frankenthaler, taken by renowned musician and photographer Jim Arkatov, founder of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchester, and author o...
Ink, Photographic Paper, Rag Paper
Flotilla
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in London, GB
Screenprint in colors, 2006, on Rives BFK paper, signed and dated in pencil, numbered from the edition of 120, published by the Naples Art Museum, Florida, 78.7 x 93.7 cm. (31 x 37 i...
Screen
Soho Dreams
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in London, GB
Etching, aquatint and drypoint in colours, 1987, on Magnani paper, signed and dated in pencil, numbered from the edition of 71 (there were also 8 artist’s proofs), published by 2RC E...
Drypoint, Etching, Aquatint
Mary, Mary
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in London, GB
Screenprint and offset lithograph in colours, 1987, on wove paper, signed in pencil by the artist, one of 10 printer's proofs, aside from standard edition of 72, published by Lincoln...
Offset, Screen
The Red Sea
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Created by Helen Frankenthaler in 1978-82, The Red Sea is an original lithograph in colors on pink HMP handmade paper. Hand-signed, dated, and numbered fro...
Lithograph
Aerie
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Signed and numbered in pencil
Screen
Ramblas
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in London, GB
Lithograph, drypoint, etching in colours, 1987/88, on handmade wove paper, signed in pencil, numbered from the edition of 75, printed and published by Polígrafa Obra Gráfica, Barcelo...
Drypoint, Etching, Lithograph
Acrobat
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered abstract painters of the 20th century as well as being one of the most successful and collected female artists. Her current...
Ceramic
Price Upon Request
Vuillard's Chariot
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Created by the artist in 2006 as an original color lithograph, Vuillard’s Chariot measures 24 ¾ in. x 30 1/8 in. (62.87 cm x 76.52 cm), unframed, and is from the edition of 50 as iss...
Lithograph
Untitled
By Henri Goetz
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Signed in pencil lower right (see photo) Edition: 25 (9/25) (see photo) Engraving, drypoint & carborundum Printed by the artist Condition: Excellent, slight residue on rever...
Drypoint, Etching
Abstraktes Bild
By Gerhard Richter
Located in New York, NY
This is a 6-color hybrid print by Gerhard Richter offered by CLAMP in New York City. 6-color hybrid print on 260g Rives Handmade paper (Edition of 500) Abstraktes Bild 1992/2023 A...
Ink, Handmade Paper
$695
H 32 in W 20 in D 0.25 in
"Orange Row", Abstract Geometric Minimalist Composition w Ovals, Limited Edition
By Geoffrey Bowman
Located in Soquel, CA
"Orange Row", Abstract Geometric Minimalist Composition w Ovals, Limited Edition Delicate and perfect ovals in orange, yellow, red, and blue are purposefully arranged on lined paper...
Paper, Ink, Lithograph, Etching
$4,982
H 15.36 in W 11.23 in D 0.04 in
Zao Wou-ki - Original Lithograph - Abstract Composition
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Zao Wou-ki - Original Lithograph 1962 From La tentation de l’Occident Dimensions: 39 x 28.5 cm Publisher: Les Bibliophiles Comtois Edition of 170 Reference: Jørgen Ågerup 137 - 146...
Lithograph
$4,982
H 15.36 in W 11.23 in D 0.04 in
Zao Wou-ki - Original Lithograph - Abstract Composition
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Zao Wou-ki - Original Lithograph 1962 From La tentation de l’Occident Dimensions: 39 x 28.5 cm Publisher: Les Bibliophiles Comtois Edition of 170 Reference: Jørgen Ågerup 137 - 146...
Lithograph
Two Pembroke Studio Chairs
By David Hockney
Located in London, GB
A striking original lithograph from Hockney's popular The Moving Focus series with Cubist influences. Hockney depicts his studio interior with varying perspectives, shadows, views an...
Handmade Paper, Lithograph
Nick Thomm - AETHER (GREEN) Standard
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'AETHER' (Green) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) Limited Edition of 482 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW. Worldwide Shipping. Sold Unframed.
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$750Sale Price|50% Off
H 22 in W 17.5 in
Untitled from El Circulo de Piedra portfolio
By Agustín Cárdenas
Located in Miami, FL
Agustin Cardenas (1927-2003) Untitled from El Circulo de Piedra, 1971 One of fifteen original lithographs, signed and numbered by the artist, commissioned t...
Lithograph
Nick Thomm - GHOSTS (BLUE)
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'GHOSTS' (Blue) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) Limited Edition of 199 Hand Signed and Numbered #113 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW. Wo...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$2,800
H 15 in W 22 in
Abstract Expressionist Lithograph for the Carnegie Museum of Art, Lt Ed. of 1000
By Joan Mitchell
Located in New York, NY
Joan Mitchell Untitled Abstract Expressionist Print for the Carnegie Museum of Art, 1972 Lithograph on wove paper 15 × 22 inches Limited Edition of 1000 (unnumbered) Printer: Maeght...
Lithograph
$1,500
H 18.5 in W 16 in D 4 in
The Dayton's Bag: Two original abstract lithographs plate signed double sided
By Frank Stella
Located in New York, NY
Frank Stella The Dayton's Bag, 1984 Two (2) separate offset lithographs: one on each side of a mixed media paper shopping bag 18 1/2 × 16 × 4 inches Plate signed "Frank Stella '84" twice: once on each side of the bag (see photos) This paper shopping bag with two different color offset lithographs (one on each side) was created by Frank Stella along with his longtime publisher Tyler Graphics. The work is plate signed Frank Stella on the top of each side, and each side bears the printed text, "Dayton's Salutes the Opening of Walker Art Center's New Galleries. Premiere Exhibition Selections from Tyler Graphics, 23 September '84 to 17 May '85." This elegant work, produced with the highest quality lithography by Frank Stella at Tyler Graphics, was created in a limited quantity solely for VIP collectors at that one day's event as it was a true one-off creation. Not too many of them have survived a quarter century on, and rarely in such good condition. Not too many people you know can boast that they possess a Frank Stella shopping bag. Note that this listing is for one two sided shopping bag, each side with a different color lithograph - so it's actually two Frank Stella lithographs...
Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset
$3,018
H 32 in W 28 in D 1 in
Modern Twentieth Century Signed Miro Lithograph Le Lezard aux Plumes D'Or
By Joan Miró
Located in ludlow, GB
Modern Twentieth Century Signed Miro Lithograph Le Lezard aux Plumes D'Or - Signed on the Plate and authenticated by the Mourlot family. This Lithograph by Miro was originally for G...
Lithograph
Sold
H 25.75 in W 18 in
Silkscreen from the estate of Stephen Poleskie, Berggruen 11, Clark 12 Harrison
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Helen Frankenthaler Untitled, from the estate of Stephen Poleskie (Berggruen 11, Clark 12, Harrison and Boorsch 11), 1967 Color silkscreen on wove paper Unframed A unique unsigned pr...
Screen
Ramblas
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered abstract painters of the 20th century in addition to being one of the most successful and collected female artists. Franke...
Lithograph
Helen Frankenthaler “Mary Mary” 1987
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in San Francisco, CA
Helen Frankenthaler: 1928-2011. Well listed very important American abstract expressionist. Her paintings have sold well into the millions of dollars. This particular print is done a...
Screen
Sold
H 33.75 in W 38.88 in
Lincoln Center (Aerie) Poster /// Helen Frankenthaler Female Abstract Modern Art
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Helen Frankenthaler (American, 1928-2011) Title: "Lincoln Center (Aerie)" Series: Lincoln Center Posters *Issued unsigned, though signed by Frankenthaler in the plate (printe...
Screen
Helen Frankenthaler - Lush Spring Framed Print
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Central, HK
This print features a reproduction of Lush Spring (1975) by Helen Frankenthaler. It’s mounted and laminated for protection from dust and UV rays, and floated in a hand-stained, natur...
Wood, Paper
Helen Frankenthaler - Tutti-Frutti Framed Print
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Central, HK
This print features a reproduction of Tutti-Frutti (1966) by Helen Frankenthaler. It's mounted and laminated for protection from dust and UV rays, and floated in a hand-stained, natu...
Wood, Paper
Sold
H 36.25 in W 36.25 in D 0.88 in
"Sun Corner" Modern Abstract Minimalist Blue, Yellow, Red, & Green Lithograph
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Houston, TX
Modern abstract lithograph by American artist Helen Frankenthaler. The work features sweeping blocks of blue and yellow colors with central green and red markings. Signed, dated, and...
Screen
Midnight
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
DESCRIPTION aquatint and drypoint printed in colors, signed in pencil, dated, numbered 43/71 (total edition includes eight artist's proofs), on Magnani wove paper, with the blindstam...
Drypoint, Aquatint
Plaza Real
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this color soft-ground etching, etching and aquatint on White Rives BFK paper. Signed, dated and numbered 55/60 in pencil, lower margin. Printed and publish...
Color, Etching, Aquatint
Wind Directions
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Helen Frankenthaler Wind Directions, 1970 Color Pochoir 30.50h x 22.25w in
Monoprint
Untitled
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Helen Frankenthaler (American, 1928-2011) Title: "Untitled" *Signed, dated, and numbered by Frankenthaler in pencil lower right Year: 1967 Medium: Original Screenprint on white Arches double-weight watercolor paper Limited edition: 58/100 Printer: Patricia Yamashiro of Maurel Studios, New York, NY Publisher: the artist Frankenthaler herself and Chiron Press, New York, NY Reference: "Frankenthaler: A Catalogue Raisonné - Prints 1961-1994" - Harrison No. 11, page 88-89; Berggruen No. 11; Clark No. 12 Sheet size: 25.75" x 18" Condition: In excellent condition Notes: Provenance: private collection - Honolulu, HI - a longtime archivist at The National Archives Museum, Washington D.C.; acquired from renown art dealer Harry Lunn of Lunn Gallery, Washington, D.C. in October of 1969 retaining a copy of its original receipt; acquired from Multiples, Inc., New York, NY retaining their original gallery label; likely acquired directly from the publisher Chiron Press, New York, NY. Printed in four colors from four screens: green, blue, yellow, and red. Chiron Press chop mark/blind stamp lower left. This is the second screenprint edition Frankenthaler ever made. Though presently unframed, this work also retains its original framer label from Kulicke Frames Inc., New York, NY from its previous custom plexiglass box framing. The work also retains an inscribed index card with purchase information believed created by the Honolulu collector. "Air Frame" (cat. no. 6) was Frankenthaler's first silkscreen - a medium that Universal Limited Art Editions, West Islip, NY did not use, although it became increasingly popular for artists' prints, both in Europe and the United States, during the sixties. Several other silkscreens followed in the next few years: "Untitled" (cat no. 11), in 1967, and "Sun Corner" (cat. no. 12) by Tanglewood Press, New York, in 1968. - "What Red Lines Can Do" (cat. nos. 22-26) is a suite of silkscreens published by Multiples, Inc., at that time directed by Rosa Esman...
Screen
Sold
H 45 in W 33 in
Helen Frankenthaler What Red Lines Can Do Series, Screen Print
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Detroit, MI
ONE WEEK ONLY SALE "Untitled" lithograph from Frakenthaler's What Red Lines Can Do Series. Signed and dated, with the numbers 55/9/75 on the lower front right. Color screen print on white arches handmade cold press paper. Helen Frankenthaler was born on December 12, 1928 in New York City, the daughter of a New York Supreme Court judge and a family of Jewish immigrants from Germany who emphasized culture and intellectual pursuits and continue to be active to this day such as through nephew, the artist and photographer Clifford...
Lithograph