One of the first Black artists to receive national acclaim in the United States, Jacob Armstead Lawrence (1917–2000) was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, before moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then to Harlem, New York, in 1930. While enrolled in a community after-school arts program, Lawrence developed his talents as a painter, drawing praise and encouragement from artist Charles Alston, who ran the program at the time. Despite his family’s financial struggles during the Great Depression, Lawrence continued his pursuit of the arts, developing a series of multipanel realist paintings dedicated to iconic Black historical figures, including Toussaint L’Ouverture, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. In 1938, he had his first solo exhibition at the Harlem YMCA and had begun to work for the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
In 1940, Lawrence received a grant from a philanthropic organization called the Rosenwald Fund, which allowed him to begin what would become his most famous work: The Migration Series, a narrative piece comprised of casein tempera paint on 60 18-by-12-inch hardboard panels featuring captions he’d written before he began to paint. (Fellow artist and future wife Gwendolyn Knight helped with the text.) Lawrence’s series focuses on the Great Migration of Black Americans from the agricultural South to the industrial North between 1910 and 1940.
By the end of the 1940s, Lawrence had earned widespread recognition for his important work and was the most celebrated Black artist in the United States. He continued covering Black historical figures throughout his career, though he also painted social commentaries on contemporary issues, like World War II and civil rights. He taught at the Art Students League in New York and at Black Mountain College in North Carolina (upon invitation from artist Josef Albers), among other institutions.
Lawrence’s works can be found in the collections of many major museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York and elsewhere. His painting The Builders hangs in the White House today, as it was acquired by the White House Historical Association in 2007.
Find watercolor paintings, prints and more by Jacob Lawrence on 1stDibs.
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
SCHOMBURG LIBRARY 1986 Lithograph, African American History, Black Culture
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Union City, NJ
SCHOMBURG LIBRARY is a hand drawn, limited edition lithograph by the renowned African American artist Jacob Lawrence, printed using traditional hand ...
Lithograph
$14,800Sale Price|20% Off
Jacob Lawrence The Builders (The Family) 1974 Signed Screen-Print
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Jacob Lawrence Title: The Builders (The Family) Medium: Screenprint in color Edition: 115/300 Publisher: Published by IBM Corporation, New York (Nesbett 74-1) Image Size: 30"...
Screen
The 1920's, The Migrants Cast Their Ballots, by Jacob Lawrence
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Long Island City, NY
An original fine art print by Jacob Lawrence from the Kent Spirit of Independence Poster Portfolio, published in 1975 by Lorillard. The offset prints from this portfolio are unsigned...
Offset
Jacob Lawrence Pop Art Screenprint, 1977, Signed, "The Swearing In"
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Jacob Lawrence Title: The Swearing In Portfolio: Inaugural Impressions Medium: Screenprint Date: 1977 Edition: 63/100 Sheet Size: 20" x 30" Frame Size: 27" x 37" Signature: H...
Screen
Confrontation at the Bridge, Signed Screenprint by Jacob Lawrence
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Long Island City, NY
In this signed print by Black American artist Jacob Lawrence, a group of protestors marches across a bridge with expressions of fear and trepidation. Below them churns a tumultuous r...
Screen
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
Jacob Lawrence Harlem Street Scene Signed 1975 Screen-print
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Jacob Lawrence Title: Harlem Street Scene Medium: Screenprint in Color Edition: 113/150 Sheet Size: 26" x 19-3/4" Frame Size: 36" x 29-3/4" Year: 1975 Publisher: Published by...
Paper, Screen
1972 Munich Olympics original poster by Jacob Lawrence
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in PARIS, FR
Created for the 1972 Munich Olympics, this powerful original poster by renowned American artist Jacob Lawrence stands as a compelling intersection of sport, art, and identity. Part o...
Paper, Lithograph
THE BUILDERS 1985 Commemorative Lithograph Poster, 1st Edition
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Union City, NJ
JACOB LAWRENCE THE BUILDERS 1985 Commemorative Poster - National Urban League 75th Anniversary 1910-1985 Vintage original 1985 printing Poster size - 35.25 x 22 inches, unframed, u...
Offset
1972 Munich Olympics original poster by Victor Vasarely
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in PARIS, FR
A striking fusion of modernist aesthetics and Olympic spirit, this 1972 original poster by Victor Vasarely stands out as one of the most iconic contributions to the visual identity o...
Paper, Lithograph
$743,750
"Windows"
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Jim's of Lambertville Fine Art Gallery is proud to present this work by Jacob Lawrence (1917 – 2000). Provenance: This painting is from the private collection of Gwen Lawrence, widow of Jacob Lawrence. Exhibitions: An attached photo (3rd photo) of the back of the piece shows its extensive exhibition history. Biography: Leading African-American narrative painter, Jacob Lawrence was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1917. After his father abandoned his family in 1924, Lawrence spent several years in foster homes before reuniting with his mother in 1930 in Harlem, New York. In New York, he attended art classes organized at the Harlem Art Workshop with Charles Aston and the Harlem Community Art Center with Augusta Savage. There, he met fellow young painters, Aaron Douglas, and William Johnson...
Gouache
Jacob Lawrence Celebration of Heritage 1992 Signed Lithograph in Colors
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Jacob Lawrence Title: Celebration of Heritage Medium: Lithograph in Colors Dimensions: 30" x 22" Year: 1992 Edition: 71/150 Inscription: Signed, titled, dated, and numbered t...
Lithograph
$7,800
MORNING STILL LIFE Color Screenprint, Signed, 1976, Cat. Ref. (Nesbett L76-1)
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Union City, NJ
MORNING STILL LIFE is a limited edition color serigraph/screen print by the renowned American artist Jacob Lawrence(1917-2000). MORNING STILL LIFE was hand printed using traditional ...
Screen
"To Preserve Their Freedom" Post-Cubist Screenprint, 1988
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Astoria, NY
Jacob Lawrence (American, 1917-2000), "To Preserve Their Freedom", Screenprint in Colors on Bainbridge Two-Ply Rag Paper, 1988, from "The Life of Toussaint L'Ouverture", signed in pe...
Screen, Paper
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
Jacob Lawrence Stained Glass Windows Signed 2000 Screenprint Edition of 135
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Jacob Lawrence Title: B,SGW (Stained Glass Windows) Medium: Screenprint in Colors on Rising Paper Edition: Edition 2/135 Publisher: Spradling Ames Corporation, Key West, FL P...
Paper, Screen
Jacob Lawrence The Swearing In Color Screenprint Signed Edition of 100
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Jacob Lawrence Title: The Swearing In Medium: Color screenprint on Cream Wove Paper Dimensions: 18" x 28" Year: 1977 Inscription: Signed, titled, dated and numbered 80/100 in...
Screen, Paper
Jacob Lawrence Carpenters 1997 Lithograph Signed Edition of 300
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Jacob Lawrence Title: Carpenters Medium: Offset Lithograph in Colors on B.F.K. Rives Paper Edition: 130/300 + 10 AP + 10 HC Publisher: Published by Himan Brown, New York Prin...
Lithograph, Paper
"The March" Cubist Screenprint in Colors, Signed, 1995
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Astoria, NY
"The March," 1995, Screenprint in colors on Bainbridge paper, from the series The Life of Toussaint L'Ouverture. Signed in pencil and dated lower right, titled lower center, numbered...
Paper, Screen
Jacob Lawrence The First Book of Moses Called Genesis Bound Book Screenprints
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Artist: Jacob Lawrence Title: The First Book of Moses Called Genesis Medium: Bound book of 8 color screenprints and text, printed by Limited Editions Club, New York; printed at Osiri...
Paper, Screen
L'Ouverture Screenprint, Edition 76/100, Signed and Dated 1986
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Astoria, NY
Jacob Lawrence (American, 1917-2000), "General Toussaint L'Ouverture", Screenprint in Colors on Bainbridge Two-Ply Rag Paper, 1986, signed in pencil and dated lower right, titled low...
Paper, Screen
St. Marc Screenprint in Frame, Edition 9/120, Signed and Dated 1994
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Astoria, NY
Jacob Lawrence (American, 1917-2000), "St. Marc", Screenprint in Colors on Bainbridge Two-Ply Rag Paper, 1994, from "The Life of Toussaint L'Ouverture", signed in pencil and dated "7...
Screen, Paper
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Jacob Lawrence, Farmers, from Hiroshima, 1983
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite silkscreen by Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000), titled Farmers, from the album Hiroshima, originates from the 1983 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Screen
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Jacob Lawrence, Boy with Kite, from Hiroshima, 1983
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite silkscreen by Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000), titled Boy with Kite, from the album Hiroshima, originates from the 1983 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New ...
Screen
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Jacob Lawrence, Man with Birds, from Hiroshima, 1983
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite silkscreen by Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000), titled Man with Birds, from the album Hiroshima, originates from the 1983 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New...
Screen
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Jacob Lawrence, Market, from Hiroshima, 1983
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite silkscreen by Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000), titled Market, from the album Hiroshima, originates from the 1983 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, a...
Screen
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Jacob Lawrence, People in Park, from Hiroshima, 1983
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite silkscreen by Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000), titled People in Park, from the album Hiroshima, originates from the 1983 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New...
Screen
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Jacob Lawrence, Family, from Hiroshima, 1983
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite silkscreen by Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000), titled Family, from the album Hiroshima, originates from the 1983 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, a...
Screen
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Jacob Lawrence, Street Scene, from Hiroshima, 1983
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite silkscreen by Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000), titled Street Scene, from the album Hiroshima, originates from the 1983 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New Y...
Screen
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Jacob Lawrence, Playground, from Hiroshima, 1983
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite silkscreen by Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000), titled Playground, from the album Hiroshima, originates from the 1983 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New Yor...
Screen
$398Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.25 in W 19.5 in D 0.05 in
Original "American Labor ... Producing for Attack" vintage 1943 poster
Located in Spokane, WA
Original AMERICAN LABOR - PRODUCING FOR ATTACK vintage 1943 poster. Size: 19.5" x 22.25. Professional archival linen backed; ready to frame. War Production Board, Washington D.C. Original. Lithograph. printed by the US Government...
Offset
$100
H 20 in W 14 in
Five Musicians Embossed Lithograph Print with Foil Stamping, Signed, Judaica Art
By Amram Ebgi
Located in Aventura, FL
Embossed lithograph with foil stamping on paper. Hand signed and numbered by the artist. From the edition of 750. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of authenticity in...
Foil
$100
H 19 in W 14 in
Aquarium, Judaica Art Embossed Lithograph with Foil Stamping, Signed Ed of 450
By Amram Ebgi
Located in Aventura, FL
Embossed lithograph with foil stamping on paper. Hand signed and numbered by the artist. AP edition of 450. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of authenticity included...
Foil
$154
H 38.19 in W 38.19 in
Flowers by Andy Warhol (1964) Art Print – Iconic Pop Art Design
By (after) Andy Warhol
Located in Winterswijk, NL
A bold and vibrant reproduction of Andy Warhol’s iconic 1964 Flowers series, this striking artwork is printed on heavy art paper, showcasing the enduring brilliance of Pop Art. The c...
Paper
$1,500
H 31.5 in W 24 in
Untitled from Ventanas Series, Hand Signed Lithograph, Edition of 50, 2005
By Juan Soriano
Located in Aventura, FL
From the ' Ventanas' series. Lithograph on paper. Hand signed, dated and numbered by the artist. Edition of 50. Sheet size: 31.5 x 24 in. Additional images available upon request. Ce...
Paper, Lithograph
$420Sale Price|20% Off
H 37 in W 24 in D 0.05 in
Original "July 4th in Old New York" Bicentennial vintage poster 1976
Located in Spokane, WA
Original 1976 July 4th in Old New York vintage Bicentennial festival vintage poster. The poster is copyrighted by Macy’s New York. Artists were: Griesbach and Martucci. Arc...
Offset
$460
H 33 in W 24 in
Plum Blossoms 1948, 1971, rare offset lithograph poster published in Switzerland
By Henri Matisse
Located in New York, NY
After Henri Matisse Plum Blossoms, 1948, 1971 Offet lithograph poster Offset lithograph poster Published in Zurich Switzerland on the occasion of the exhibition "Twenty Important Pai...
Lithograph, Offset
Balloon Girl
By Mr. Brainwash
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mr. Brainwash Balloon Girl, 2025 Medium: Silkscreen and Mixed Media on Paper Artwork Size: 36 x 36 in Framed Size: 43.5 x 43.5 in This work is Framed
Screen
$2,300
H 14.625 in W 13.75 in D 1.125 in
Peter Max "Geometric #2" Vibrant 1976 Signed Lithograph, Limited Edition
By Peter Max
Located in Miami, FL
PETER MAX – "GEOMETRIC #2" ⚜ Lithograph on Paper ⚜ Hand signed lower right ⚜ Framed AN ICONIC GEOMETRIC STUDY BY PETER MAX "Geometric #2" (1976) captures Peter Max’s signature use o...
Lithograph
$636Sale Price|20% Off
H 38 in W 24.5 in D 0.05 in
Origiinal Boston Fly TWA Jets vintage American travel poster
By David Klein
Located in Spokane, WA
TWA (Trans World Airlines) was formed in 1924 as Transcontinental & Western Air. The airline's first route was from New York to Los Angeles, followed by multiple National routes. The airline expanded to serve Europe, the Middle East, and Asia after WWII when the company was under Howard Hughes's owner's control from 1939 until 1961. Hughes was a dominant force in expanding and promoting his company's routes. The economy was vastly improving, and travel by air for business and pleasure increased, too. Posters were a crucial element in promoting this form of travel and TWA. The airline started a decline in the 1970s, ending in a third bankruptcy that caused its acquisition by American Airlines in 2001. The airline operated in 132 destinations worldwide and had a fleet size of 190. The Boston FLY TWA shows a three-masted schooner in the background, a large colonial drum in the center with an American Eagle...
Offset
$3,500
H 24 in W 18 in
Jonas Wood, Interiors and Landscapes (Lt. Ed Hand signed and inscribed poster)
By Jonas Wood
Located in New York, NY
JONAS WOOD Interiors and Landscapes Offset lithograph poster (hand signed and inscribed) 24 × 18 inches Hand signed, dated by Jonas Wood with the artist's distinctive basketball leg...
Offset, Lithograph, Permanent Marker
$450
H 12 in W 21 in D 0.05 in
Original "Matson Cruise Lines - Festival of the Sea" vintage cruise line poster
By Eugene Savage
Located in Spokane, WA
bull shist says there is a url in the text and blocks the save
Offset
Sold
H 40 in W 25.25 in
'The Relay Race" — Original Olympic Poster, Munich — Black American Artist
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Jacob Lawrence, 'The Relay Race' (Olympische Spiele München 1972), 12-color serigraph, signed in the matrix, lower right. From the 1972 limited edition silk screen edition of not mor...
Screen
Sold
H 21.5 in W 17.5 in
The 1920's, The Migrants Cast Their Ballots, Modern Print by Jacob Lawrence
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jacob Lawrence, American (1917 - 2000) - The 1920's, The Migrants Cast Their Ballots, Portfolio: Kent Bicentennial Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Offset Lithograph, Image Size: 1...
Offset
Sold
H 39.77 in W 25.2 in
The Relay Race : Passing the Baton - Lithograph (Olympic Games Munich 1972)
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Paris, IDF
Jacob Lawrence The Relay Race: Passing the Baton Lithograph poster Signature printed in the plate On heavy paper 101 x 64 cm (c. 40 x 26 inch) Made for the Olympic Games in Munich, ...
Lithograph
Sold
H 39.77 in W 25.2 in
The Relay Race : Passing the Baton - Lithograph (Olympic Games Munich 1972)
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Paris, IDF
Jacob Lawrence The Relay Race: Passing the Baton Lithograph poster Signature printed in the plate On heavy paper 101 x 64 cm (c. 40 x 26 inch) Made for the Olympic Games in Munich, ...
Lithograph
original lithograph
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. This lithograph was printed in 1955 for the "Improvisations" portfolio, and published by the Artists Equity Association of New York in an edition of 2000...
Lithograph
The Swearing In, Modern Print by Jacob Lawrence
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Long Island City, NY
This print by Jacob Lawrence was commissioned for the portfolio "Innagural Impressions", Lawrence initially created two paintings and this screenprint was modeled after the first one...
Screen
Sold
H 35.25 in W 23 in
THE BUILDERS 1985 National Urban League, 1st Edition, Men Working Construction
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Union City, NJ
JACOB LAWRENCE THE BUILDERS 1985 Commemorative Poster - National Urban League 75th Anniversary 1910-1985, Vintage original 1985 printing Poster size - 35.25 x 23 inches, unframed, u...
Offset
original lithograph
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. This lithograph was printed in 1955 for the "Improvisations" portfolio, and published by the Artists Equity Association of New York in an edition of 2000...
Lithograph
The Swearing In, from 1977 Inaugural Impressions
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Jacob Lawrence Title: The Swearing In Portfolio: Inaugural Impressions Medium: Screenprint Date: 1977 Edition: 51/100 Sheet Size: 20" x 30" Signature: Hand signed and numbere...
Screen
original lithograph
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. This lithograph was printed in 1954 for the "Improvisations" portfolio, published by the Artists Equity Association of New York on the occasion of the 19...
Lithograph
original lithograph
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. This lithograph was printed in 1957 for the "Improvisations" portfolio, published by the Artists Equity Association of New York on the occasion of the 19...
Lithograph
Sold
H 39.77 in W 25.2 in
The Relay Race : Passing the Baton - Lithograph (Olympic Games Munich 1972)
By Jacob Lawrence
Located in Paris, IDF
Jacob Lawrence The Relay Race: Passing the Baton Lithograph poster Signature printed in the plate On heavy paper 101 x 64 cm (c. 40 x 26 inch) Made for the Olympic Games in Munich, ...
Lithograph