Jacob Lawrence Figurative Paintings

American, 1917-2000

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.

Artist: Jacob Lawrence

Jacob Lawrence"Windows", c. 1977

$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...

Category

1970s Modern Jacob Lawrence Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Edwin GeorgiSaturday Evening Post Illustration. “ The Devil’s Stronghold” Original Magazine, 1960

$6,800

H 15.5 in W 14.5 in D 16 in

Saturday Evening Post Illustration. “ The Devil’s Stronghold” Original Magazine

By Edwin Georgi

Located in Miami, FL

The work is mostly black and white to indicate that this is a night scene. On closer inspection, you will see areas of magenta and ivory throughout The publisher's label on verso ide...

Category

1960s American Modern Jacob Lawrence Figurative Paintings

Materials

India Ink, Gouache, Pencil, Illustration Board

Donald StacyOil Pastel and Gouache Painting, Figurative, Circa 1950s, 14x17, 1950s

$500

H 17 in W 14 in

Oil Pastel and Gouache Painting, Figurative, Circa 1950s, 14x17

By Donald Stacy

Located in Arp, TX

Donald Stacy "Mark" c.1950s Oil pastel and gouache paint on paper 14x17" unframed Unsigned Came from artist's estate Donald Stacy (1925-2011) New Jersey Studied: Newark School of ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Jacob Lawrence Figurative Paintings

Paper, Gouache, Newsprint

View of the Gulf of Naples, with Vesuvius on the background-Gouache-19th Century, 19th Century

$1,647

H 8.67 in W 12.6 in D 0.08 in

View of the Gulf of Naples, with Vesuvius on the background-Gouache-19th Century

Located in Roma, IT

View of the Gulf of Naples, with Vesuvius on the background is an original modern artwork realized by Anonymous artist in the mid-19th Century. Mixed colored gouche. Includes a bla...

Category

19th Century Modern Jacob Lawrence Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Antonio PetruccelliBricklayers House Beautiful Cover Proposal American Scene Modern 1930s Workers, c. 1939

$14,000

$1,763Sale Price|20% Off

H 16.54 in W 19.69 in

Cabane de Cacharel, Modern Gouache on Paper, Signed, Circa 1950s

By Yves Brayer

Located in London, GB

'Cabane de Cacharel', gouache on paper, by Yves Brayer (circa 1950s). In the Camargue region of Southern France, there is an historic Mas (farmhouse / ranch) called Cacharel, nearby ...

Category

1950s Modern Jacob Lawrence Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Previously Available Items

Jacob LawrenceMakeup by Jacob Lawrence, 1952

Sold

H 30 in W 34 in D 1.5 in

Makeup by Jacob Lawrence

By Jacob Lawrence

Located in New Orleans, LA

Jacob Lawrence 1917-2000 American Makeup Signed (lower right) Tempera on board Inspired by the famed Apollo Theatre in Harlem, Jacob Lawrence’s mast...

Category

20th Century Post-Impressionist Jacob Lawrence Figurative Paintings

Materials

Tempera, Board

Jacob Lawrence figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Jacob Lawrence figurative paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Jacob Lawrence in paint, board, gouache and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the Post-Impressionist style. Not every interior allows for large Jacob Lawrence figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 22 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Lorraine Fox, Donald Roy Purdy, and Bernie Fuchs. Jacob Lawrence figurative paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $743,750 and tops out at $743,750, while the average work can sell for $743,750.

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Questions About Jacob Lawrence Figurative Paintings

What was Jacob Lawrence known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
Jacob Lawrence was known for being one of the first Black artists to receive national acclaim in the United States. His narrative paintings include pieces on Black historical figures, World War II and civil rights. His most famous work — The Migration Series — focuses on the Great Migration of Black Americans from the agricultural South to the industrial North between 1910 and 1940. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Jacob Lawrence art.
What style of art is Jacob Lawrence known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Dynamic cubism is the style that American artist Jacob Lawrence is known for. Lawrence coined the term himself to describe the repeated patterns and vivid colors that defined his works. To produce his paintings, he largely drew inspiration from Harlem, New York. Find a selection of Jacob Lawrence on 1stDibs.
How did Jacob Lawrence use Social Realism in his artwork?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
In his artwork, Jacob Lawrence used Social Realism to portray the everyday lived experiences of Black Americans. His most famous work is The Migration Series, a narrative piece of 60 18-by-12-inch hardboard panels focused on the Great Migration of Black Americans from the agricultural South to the industrial North between 1910 and 1940. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Jacob Lawrence art.