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Mercedes Matter Art

American, 1913-2001

Born in New York in 1913 to famed Philadelphia modernist Arthur B. Carles, Mercedes Matter grew up surrounded by art.

Throughout her youth Matter traveled to France and Italy with her family, where she was especially struck by the works of Giovanni Bellini. She later went on to study sculpture with Lu Duble at Bennett Junior College in Millbrook, New York, and with Maurice Sterne and Alexander Archipenko in New York City during her breaks from school. After finishing at Bennett Junior College, Matter began classes at the New York Art Students League with Hans Hofmann, who became a great mentor and friend to Matter. Hofmann’s painting classes brought the influence of the European avant-garde movements to Matter’s work.

In the late 1930s, Matter became a founding member of the American Abstract Artists group and worked for the Works Progress Administration with French artist Fernand Léger. Léger would later introduce Matter to her husband, Swiss photographer and designer Herbert Matter. The Matters became significant figures in the mid-20th century New York art scene, along with Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Alexander Calder, and both Willem and Elaine de Kooning.

Matter was a member of the teaching faculty at the Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts), Pratt Institute, and New York University. In 1964, she founded her own school, the New York Studio School of Drawings, Paintings, and Sculpture, after she noticed a lack of studio classes available to students. Matter considered the studio a quintessential form of study in art education. The school is still in operation today.

Matter has had solo exhibitions at Tanager Gallery, NY; Yale Norfolk, CT; Washington Art Association, CT; East Hampton Center for Contemporary Art, NY; the New York Studio School; and Salander-O’Reilly Galleries, NY. Her work can be found in the collections at the Corcoran Gallery, Washington, D.C.; Delaware Art Museum; Parrish Museum, NY; and the Whitney Museum of American Art, NY. She has received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the College Art Association; the Gottlieb Foundation Grant; the Ingram Merrill Foundation Grant; and the Tiffany & Co. Foundation Grant.

Find original Mercedes Matter paintings and other art on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Jim’s of Lambertville)

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Artist: Mercedes Matter
"Still Life"
By Mercedes Matter
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Jim’s of Lambertville is proud to offer this artwork by: Mercedes Matter (1913 - 2001) Mercedes Matter, daughter of noted Philidelphia artist Arthur B Carles...
Category

20th Century Abstract Mercedes Matter Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Bottles and Fruit"
By Mercedes Matter
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Jim’s of Lambertville is proud to offer this artwork by: Mercedes Matter (1913 - 2001) Born in New York in 1913 to famed Philadelphia Modernist, Arthur B. Carles, Mercedes Matter g...
Category

1980s Abstract Mercedes Matter Art

Materials

Board, Canvas, Oil

"Sea and Sky, Deer Isle"
By Mercedes Matter
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Jim’s of Lambertville is proud to offer this artwork by: Best known as a painter of abstract still life and founder of the New York Studio School, Mercedes Matter was also a disting...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Mercedes Matter Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Board

"Flowers and Fruit"
By Mercedes Matter
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Jim’s of Lambertville is proud to offer this artwork by: Mercedes Matter (1913 - 2001) Best known as a painter of abstract still life and founder of the New York Studio School, M...
Category

20th Century Abstract Mercedes Matter Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Still Life with Fish"
By Mercedes Matter
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Estate Stamp on Verso Mercedes Matter, daughter of noted Philidelphia artist Arthur B Carles, wife of swiss born photographer and graphic designer Her...
Category

20th Century Mercedes Matter Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Deer Isle, Maine"
By Mercedes Matter
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Jim’s of Lambertville is proud to offer this artwork by: Mercedes Matter (1913 - 2001) Best known as a painter of abstract still life and founder of the New York Studio School, M...
Category

1950s Abstract Expressionist Mercedes Matter Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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Mercedes Matter art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Mercedes Matter art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Mercedes Matter in canvas, fabric, oil 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 Mercedes Matter art, so small editions measuring 11 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of John von Wicht, Edward Dugmore, and Carl Holty. Mercedes Matter art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $4,950 and tops out at $168,750, while the average work can sell for $55,688.

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