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Helen Frankenthaler Art

American, 1928-2011

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.

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Artist: Helen Frankenthaler
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...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Helen Frankenthaler Art

Materials

Lithograph

Sun Corner /// Abstract Expressionism Helen Frankenthaler Female Post-War Modern
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Helen Frankenthaler (American, 1928-2011) Title: "Sun Corner" Portfolio: The Metropolitan Scene *Signed, dated, and numbered by Frankenthaler (inscribed into the metal) lower right Year: 1968 Medium: Original Screenprint on core-filled, baked Aluminum Panel Limited edition: 17/50, (there were also 4 artist's proofs) Printer: Sheila Marbain of Maurel Studios, New York, NY Publisher: Tanglewood Press, New York, NY Reference: "Frankenthaler: A Catalogue Raisonné - Prints 1961-1994" - Harrison No. 12, page 90-91; Berggruen No. 13; Clark No. 13 Framing: Recently framed in a white maple moulding and conservation clear glass with frame-space. All archival Framed size: 37.38" x 37.38" Sheet size: 36.13" x 36.13" Image size: approx. 32" x 32" Condition: Faint crease upper right. Mild creasing lower right. Some light scuffmarks and scratches across sheet. In otherwise very good condition with strong colors Very rare Notes: Provenance: private collection - Upton, MA. Comes from the 1968 "The Metropolitan Scene" portfolio of five screenprints by various artists. Printed in four colors from four screens: blue, orange-red, green, and yellow. This is the third screenprint edition Frankenthaler ever made. "The Metropolitan Scene", a portfolio of prints by Richard Anuszkiewicz, Helen Frankenthaler, Adolph Gottlieb, Nicholas Krushenick, Roy Lichtenstein, and George Segal, was commissioned for a traveling exhibition organized by the Education Department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY. The museum received ten Roman-numbered copies for this purpose. Tanglewood Press then released all but Gottlieb's print in numbered editions of fifty. (Gottlieb's contract with Marlborough Gallery, New York, NY, did not permit commercial release of his print by the publisher). "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, in 1970. - (Harrison - page 19). Biography: Frankenthaler was an American abstract expressionist painter. She was a major contributor to the history of postwar American painting...
Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Helen Frankenthaler Art

Materials

Metal

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 ...
Category

1980s Helen Frankenthaler Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

Sudden Snow
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
1987 Lithograph in colors, on wove paper Sheet: 31 5/8 x 23 1/2 in. Edition of 50 Signed, dated and numbered in pencil, lower margin
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Helen Frankenthaler Art

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Lilac Sweep
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
2006 Lithograph in colors, on wove paper Sheet: 22 1/4 x 27 1/2 in. (56.5 x 69.9 cm) Edition of 35 Signed and numbered in pencil, lower margin Framed, excellent condition
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Expressionist Helen Frankenthaler Art

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Aerie
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Edition of 128 Signed and numbered in pencil
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Helen Frankenthaler Art

Materials

Screen

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Previously Available Items
Untitled
By Helen Frankenthaler
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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...
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Painted Book
Painted Book
H 11 in W 11.75 in D 1.5 in
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1980s Abstract Expressionist Helen Frankenthaler Art

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Eve
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Eve
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Eve 1996, Lincoln Center Live 20th Anniversary Silkscreen
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) Title: Eve (Lincoln Center Live 20th Anniversary) Year: 1996 Medium: Silkscreen on extra thick Somerset paper Edition: 500, plus proofs Size: ...
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Live from Lincoln Center (Eve)
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
An original screenprint poster on Somerset rag paper by American artist Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) titled "Live from Lincoln Center (Eve)", 1996. Issued unsigned. Limited edition: 500. Printed by Brand X Editions, New York, NY and published by the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts / List Poster and Print Program, New York, NY. The image featured on this poster is Frankenthaler's 1995 screenprint edition "Eve". This poster was made with the same original screens from the signed and numbered edition. Produced to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Lincoln Center. Sheet size: 48" x 30". Image size: 44" x 30". One small surface mark under "Center" at bottom of poster. In otherwise excellent condition. Frankenthaler was an American abstract expressionist painter. She was a major contributor to the history of postwar American painting...
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Helen Frankenthaler Art

Materials

Screen

Sudden Snow
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: Frankenthaler, Helen Title: Sudden Snow Date: 1987 Medium: Lithograph Unframed Dimensions: 31.6" x 23.5" Framed Dimensions: 37.5" x 29" Signature: Pencil Signed Editio...
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1980s Abstract Helen Frankenthaler Art

Materials

Lithograph

Sudden Snow
Sudden Snow
H 37.5 in W 29 in D 1.5 in

Helen Frankenthaler art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Helen Frankenthaler 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, yellow, blue and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Helen Frankenthaler in lithograph, paper, screen print 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 Helen Frankenthaler art, so small editions measuring 9 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Raymond Parker, John Chamberlain, and Richard Diebenkorn. Helen Frankenthaler art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $880 and tops out at $85,000, while the average work can sell for $14,500.

Artists Similar to Helen Frankenthaler

Questions About Helen Frankenthaler Art
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Helen Frankenthaler is an American abstract expressionist painter that was known for inventing a technique referred to as soak-stain. Soak staining is a process using thinned paint and raw canvas, similar to painting fabric. Shop a range of Helen Frankenthaler work on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Helen Frankenthaler mostly did paintings. The American artist's work reflects the characteristics of Abstract Expressionism. Mountains and Sea, Snow Pines, Aerie and Grey Fireworks are among her most famous paintings. You can find a range of Helen Frankenthaler art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Helen Frankenthaler was known for her Abstract-expressionist art. She became well known for her 1952 painting Mountains and Sea. It was the first time she employed the soak-stain painting technique that would become a hallmark of her later work. You'll find a variety of Helen Frankenthaler art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    You can see Helen Frankenthaler paintings in a few places. Her works are part of the permanent collections at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in California and the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia. In addition, the artist's paintings are often part of exhibitions around the world. Check the official website of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation for upcoming dates and locations. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Helen Frankenthaler art.

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