Robert Motherwell Art
American, 1915-1991
The name of painter, printmaker and writer Robert Motherwell (1915–91) is often taken as synonymous with the New York School, whose name he coined. Motherwell was the youngest of this group of Abstract Expressionists working in art, dance, poetry and music in 1950s and '60s New York City, which included Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Philip Guston, Helen Frankenthaler and Mark Rothko.
Born in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1915, Motherwell had perhaps the broadest and best education of any of the New York School coterie, with an extensive background in philosophy, literature and art history. He earned a BA in philosophy in 1937 from Stanford University and was working toward a PhD in the subject at Harvard when he interrupted his studies for a yearlong trip to Europe, where he fell in love with European modernism.
After returning, in 1940 he enrolled Columbia to study art history. It was there that he met a group of exiled Parisian Surrealists, and encounter that proved influential on his style. Motherwell began to integrate the idea of “automatism” — unmediated gestures that reflect deeper psychological impulses — into his work, pioneering a new form of Abstract Expressionism that came to characterize the New York School.
Works like the 1967 Beside the Sea no. 45, an acrylic on canvas, and the 1966 lithograph New York International epitomize Motherwell’s use of simple shapes in boldly contrasting colors, executed in quick, gestural strokes that occasionally evoke figures, suggesting a latent narrative despite their obvious abstraction.
Throughout his career, Motherwell taught painting at Hunter College, in New York, and at Black Mountain College, in North Carolina, where his work influenced the likes of Cy Twombly, Robert Rauschenberg and Kenneth Noland. His influence as one of the founding fathers of American Abstract Expressionism remains profound.
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Item Ships From: Europe
Artist: Robert Motherwell
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VI
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué
64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins)
Edition 50
Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper
Other Collaborators: Image transferred from Mylar to...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Handmade Paper, Color, Lithograph
Samurai
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Signature: Signed "R. Motherwell" in pencil lower right
Inscriptions: Numbered in pencil lower right; workshop chop mark lower right
Edition: 16
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Black for Mozart
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
Black for Mozart
1991
Lithograph and collage, Edition 23/40
162.6 x 104.1 cms (64 x 41 ins)
RM15195
Paper: White Tyler Graphics Ltd. (TGL) handmade paper; white Ri...
Category
1990s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Mixed Media, Color, Lithograph
Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Brushed aquatint, lift-ground etching and aquatint on German Etching paper
71.8 x 56.5 cms (28 1/4 x 22 1/4 ins)
Edition of 32
Category
1970s Abstract Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Etching, Aquatint
Paris Suite 1 (Spring)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
Paris Suite I (Spring)
1980
Lithograph on J.B. Green handmade paper, Edition of 60
48.9 x 48.9 cms (19 1/4 x 19 1/4 ins)
RM17031
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Elegy Black Black, a beautiful lithography from Motherwell's elegy series
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
Elegy Black Black
1983
Lithograph in colors, on TGL handmade paper, Edition of 98< AP XI/XVI
38.1 x 95.9 cms (15 x 37 4/5 ins)
extract from the catalogue raisonné...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
The Poet's Eye
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
The Poet's Eye
1990
Aquatint and carborundum in black and blue, on J. Whatman paper, Edition of 35
Image size: 45.1 x 60.3 cms (17 3/4 x 23 3/4 ins)
Sheet size: 64....
Category
1990s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Aquatint
The Basque Suite: Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Edition of 150
104.1 x 71.7 cms (41 x 28 1/4 ins)
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Screen
Tricolor with Dollar - Original lithograph (Mourlot 1973)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Paris, FR
Robert MOTHERWELL
Tricolor with Dollar, 1973
Original lithograph
(Printed in Mourlot workshop)
Printed signature in the plate
On heavy paper 31 x 24 cm (c. 12 x 10 inch)
Edited by ...
Category
1970s American Modern Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival - 25th Anniversary
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Robert Motherwell, American (1915 - 1991)
Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival, 25th Anniversary.
Lithograph, Edition of 800, unsigned and unnumber...
Category
1990s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph, Screen
Abstract Composition - Original color Etching and Aquatint - 1967
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Paris, FR
Robert MOTHERWELL
Abstract Composition
Original etching and aquatint
Unsigned
On Johannot vellum
37.5 x 28 cm (c. 15 x 11 inch)
Published by Lazar Vernet in 1967 and limited to 200 ...
Category
1960s Abstract Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Etching, Aquatint
Summer Light Series: Pauillac, No.2
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
Summer Light Series: Pauillac, No.2
1973
Lithograph, screenprint, pochoir, and collage, Edition of 55
91.4 x 45.7 cms (36 x 18 ins)
RM12795
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Black Sounds
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
Black Sounds
1984
Lithograph, relief print, and collage
99.1 x 63.5 cms (39 x 25 ins)
RM14197
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VIII
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué
64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins)
Edition of 50
Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper
Other Collaborators: Image transferred from Mylar...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Handmade Paper, Color, Lithograph
Black Open
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
Black Open
1985
Aquatint and line etching on Whatman paper
40.6 x 43.2 cms (16 x 17 ins)
RM14234
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Aquatint
Black Cathedral
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
Black Cathedral
1991
Lithograph on white Tyler Graphics Ltd. (TGL) handmade paper, Edition of 40
170.2 x 119.4 cms (67 x 64 ins)
RM17876
Siri Engberg and Joan Bana...
Category
1990s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VII
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué
64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins)
Edition of 50
Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper
Other Collaborators: Image transferred from Mylar ...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Handmade Paper, Color, Lithograph
Perpetual Summer
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
60 x 42.9 cms ( 23.62 x 16.89 ins)
Edition of 26
Signature:Signed "Motherwell" in pencil lower right
Inscriptions:Numbered in pencil lower right; artist's chop mark lower right
Publ...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Color, Etching, Aquatint
Africa Suite: Africa 9
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
The original studies from the 'Africa Suite' were a group of ten works selected from a series of ink-on-paper drawings from the same year. The large autom...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Screen
Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
29.88 x 22.36 ins (75.9 x 56.8 cms)
Edition of 96
Signature:Signed "R. Motherwell" in pencil lower right
Inscriptions:Numbered in pencil lower right; artist's chop mark lower right
...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Color, Etching, Aquatint
Bastos
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Edition of 49 plus 12 artist's proofs
158.4 x 101.6 cms (62.4 x 40 ins)
Published by Tyler Graphics Ltd., Bedford Village, New York
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Africa Suite: Africa 7
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
The original studies from the 'Africa Suite' were a group of ten works selected from a series of ink-on-paper drawings from the same year. The large autom...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Screen
España II
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
Espana II
1983
Aquatint and lift-ground etching on Moulin du Gue Rives de Lin paper
Edition of 40
31.8 x 26.7 cms (12.5 x 10.5 ins)
RME9319
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Etching, Aquatint
Africa Suite: Africa 8
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
The original studies from the 'Africa Suite' were a group of ten works selected from a series of ink-on-paper drawings from the same year. The large autom...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Screen
Africa Suite: Africa 6
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
The original studies from the 'Africa Suite' were a group of ten works selected from a series of ink-on-paper drawings from the same year. The large autom...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Screen
For Meyer Schapiro: Tallith for Meyer Schapiro
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
For Meyer Schapiro: Tallith for Meyer Schapiro
1974
Lift-ground etching and aquatint on Arches Cover paper
Ed. 100, 13 AP, 1 CP, 11 HC
105.4 x 74.9 cms (41.5 x 29.5...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Etching, Aquatint
Africa Suite: Africa 10
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
The original studies from the 'Africa Suite' were a group of ten works selected from a series of ink-on-paper drawings from the same year. The large autom...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Screen
Paroles peintes III: Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Open-bite etching printed in dark, brownish black on fibrous Japan paper
38 x 28 cms (14 7/8 x 11 1/8 ins)
Edition of 200 in three numbered segments
Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Etching
Irish Book
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Acrylic and pasted papers on canvas mounted on board
50.8 x 40.6 cms (20 x 16 ins)
This collage includes a fragment of a 1985 print, Burning Sun. Although Motherwell signed...
Category
20th Century Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Canvas, Paper, Acrylic
Summertime in Italy (with Lines)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph on Rives BFK paper
61.6 x 43.18 cms (24 1/4 x 17 inches)
Edition of 100
Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Paris Suite 3 (Autumn)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
Paris Suite III (Autumn)
1980
Lithograph on J.B. Green handmade paper, Edition of 60
49.2 x 56.8 cms (19 1/2 x 22 1/2 ins)
RM17035
CR 26...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Paris Suite 2 (Summer)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
Paris Suite II (Summer)
1980
Lithograph on J.B. Green handmade paper, Edition of 60
49.2 x 41 cms (19 1/2 x 16 ins)
RM17034
CR 265
Sign...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Poet II - Lithograph, Abstract Print, 20th Century by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Edition of 35
75.6 x 53.7 cms (29.76 x 21.14 ins)
Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Paris Suite 4 (Winter)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
Paris Suite IV (Winter)
1980
Lithograph on J.B. Green handmade paper, Edition of 60
47 x 45.7 cms (18.5 x 18 ins)
RM17036
CR 267
18 1/2 ...
Category
1980s Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
In White with Green Stripe
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Rober Motherwell
In White with Green Stripe
1987
Lithograph, relief print, embossing and collage
86.4 x 61 cms (34 x 24 ins)
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Open Study (White Line on Beige No. 1)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Acrylic on paper
77.5 x 55.9 cms (30 1/2 x 22 ins)
Category
20th Century Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Acrylic
Lyric Suite: Liberté Toute Entière No. 3
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Black ink with orange bleed on rice paper
22.9 x 27.9 cms (9 x 11 ins)
Category
20th Century Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Ink
Lyric Suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Ink on rice paper
27.9 x 22.9 cms (11 x 9 ins)
Category
20th Century Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Ink
Green Gauloises
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Acrylic, graphite and printed paper collage on board
42.6 x 36.8 cms (16 3/4 x 14 1/2 ins)
This is the only collage in which Motherwell used a green package from Gauloises Caporal D...
Category
20th Century Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Mixed Media
Gesture Series (A)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Acrylic on paper
77.5 x 57.2 cms (30 1/2 x 22 1/2 ins)
The composition of this work anticipates the 1971 lithograph Samurai.
Throughout his career Motherwell was drawn to automatis...
Category
20th Century Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Acrylic
Lyric Suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Ink on rice paper
27.9 x 22.9 cms (11 x 9 ins)
Category
20th Century Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Ink
Stoneness of Stone
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Robert Motherwell
The Stoneness of the Stone
Edition 75
1974
Lithograph on light gray Twinrocker handmade paper laminated to medium gray Twinrocker handmade paper
104.1 x 76.2 cms (4...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Open Study (White Line on Beige No. 2)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Acrylic and graphite on paper
77.5 x 55.9 cms (30 1/2 x 22 ins)
Category
1960s Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Acrylic
Lyric Suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Brown ink with orange bleed on rice paper
22.9 x 27.9 cms (9 x 11 ins)
Category
20th Century Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Ink
Roth-Handle
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
CR 168
Paper:Auvergne à la Main Richard de Bas handmade paper; offset-printed Roth Händle cigarette label
Signature:Signed "RM" in pencil upper right
Inscriptions:Numbered in pencil ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Aquatint
Lyric Suite (Brown No. 4)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Ink on rice paper
27.9 x 22.9 cms (11 x 9 ins)
Category
20th Century Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Ink
The Basque Suite: Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Colour screenprint on J.B. Green paper
104.1 x 71.7 cms (41 x 28 1/4 ins)
Edition of 150
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Color, Screen
Gesture I (State I)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Aquatint, lift-ground etching and aquatint on J.B. Green paper
89.5 x 66.7 cms (35 1/4 x 26 1/4 ins)
Edition of 75
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Color, Lithograph
Lament for Lorca
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph on white Tyler Graphics Ltd. (TGL) handmade paper
44x61 in (111.8x154.9cm)
Edition of 52
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Color, Lithograph
Octavio Paz Suite: Red Samurai
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph, linoleum block print, and chine appliqué, Edition of 50
CR 435
Paper:Arches paper; Japanese Masa Dosa handmade paper
Production Sequence:4 colors (including 1 colored pap...
Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine colle
73.9 x 56.9 cms (29.1 x 22.4 ins)
Edition of 19
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
America - La France Variations IX
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and collage
Edition of 60
72.4 x 55.3 cms (28 1/2 x 21 3/4 ins)
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Lithograph
At the Edge
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Aquatint, lift-ground etching and aquatint on Auvergne
a la Main Richard de Bas handmade paper
57.8 x 63.8 cms (22.75 x 25.1 ins)
Edition of 34
Signed "Motherwell" in pencil ...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Mixed Media, Color, Etching, Aquatint
Black with No Way Out
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
15 x 38 ins (38.1 x 96.5 cms)
Edition of 98
Signature:Signed "Motherwell" in pencil lower right
Inscriptions:Numbered in pencil lower right; workshop chop mark lower right; work...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Color, Lithograph
Elegy Fragment II
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Aquatint, lift-ground etching and aquatint on Georges Duchene Hawthorne of Larroque handmade paper
87.6 x 61 cm (34 1/2 x 24 inches)
Edition of 52
Category
1980s Abstract Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Etching, Aquatint
Norway
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
54.9 x 56.5 cms (21.6 x 22.25 ins)
Edition of 50
Paper: Somerset paper
Signature:Signed "RM" in pencil lower right
Inscriptions:Numbered in pencil lower right
Proofs:20 AP, numbered I/XX-XX/XX, 2 HC, numbered I-II, 3 PP, 1 TP, other proofs (unrecorded)
Publisher:Derriere LEtoile Studios, New York, for the Sonja Henie...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Color, Lithograph
Dedication–Lincoln Center (B.App.23)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
44.5 x 29.25 ins (113 x 74.3 cms)
Edition of 108
Signature:Signed "R. Motherwell" in pencil lower left
Inscriptions:Numbered in pencil lower left; some impressions have artist's chop mark lower left
Publisher:The Juilliard School...
Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Color, Mixed Media, Screen
The Basque Suite: Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
104.1 x 71.8 cms (41 x 28.25 ins)
Edition of 150
Paper: J.B. Green Paper
Signed "RM" in pencil lower right; signed "Motherwell" in screen lower right
Inscriptions: Numbered in ...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art
Materials
Color, Screen
Robert Motherwell art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Robert Motherwell 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, red, blue and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Robert Motherwell in lithograph, etching, 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 Robert Motherwell art, so small editions measuring 1 inch across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Sam Francis, Paul Jenkins, and Helen Frankenthaler. Robert Motherwell art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $150 and tops out at $3,600,000, while the average work can sell for $9,500.
Artists Similar to Robert Motherwell
Questions About Robert Motherwell Art
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Robert Motherwell was a part of the art movement called Abstract Expressionism. Artists who participated in the movement sought to express emotions through abstract forms. You'll find a range of Robert Motherwell art from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How did Motherwell paint?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Robert Motherwell painted using techniques borrowed from action and color field painting. He sometimes dipped thinned paint right onto the canvas. In other works, he soaked paints into an unprimed work surface. Find a variety of Robert Motherwell art on 1stDibs.