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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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Style: Abstract
Artist: Robert Motherwell
Glass Garden
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Created in 1984 on handmade paper, “Glass Garden” was signed in pencil, numbered 50/59, and published by Motherwell with his blind stamp in New York City. Robert Motherwell, the youn...
Category

20th Century Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

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

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

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

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

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

"Redness of Red" Lithograph Screenprint Collage Contemporary Abstract Abex 1/100
By Robert Motherwell
Located in New York, NY
"Redness of Red" Lithograph Screenprint Collage Contemporary Abstract Abex 1/100 Redness of Red by Robert Burns Motherwell (1915-1991) Lithograph Scree...
Category

1980s Abstract Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Paper, Lithograph, 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

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

Signs on Copper /// Abstract Expressionism Robert Motherwell Brown Black Etching
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Robert Motherwell (American, 1915-1991) Title: "Signs on Copper" *Signed and numbered by Motherwell in pencil lower right Year: 1981 Medium: Original Lift-Ground Etching with Aquatint on German Etching paper Limited edition: 45/53, (there were also 10 artist's proofs) Printer: Catherine Mosley in the artist's studio, Greenwich, CT Publisher: The artist Motherwell himself, Greenwich, CT Reference: "Catalogue Raisonné 1943-1990 - The Prints of Robert Motherwell" - Belknap No. 252, page 249; Engberg No. 286 Framing: Not framed, but matted with a custom hand-wrapped 8 ply linen mat Matted size: 28.25" x 33.75" Sheet size: 27" x 31.75" Image size: 17.75" x 23.5" Condition: Light mat stain in margins and a light water stain to lower right corner in margin. It is otherwise a strong impression in very good condition with rich colors; the printed image is pristine Very rare Notes: Provenance: private collection - Palm Beach, FL. Released by Petersburg Press, London, UK and New York, NY. Artist's chop mark/blind stamp lower right. Printed in 2 colors in 3 runs from 2 zinc plates and 1 copper plate: 1. burnt sienna - zinc plate (aquatint); 2. burnt sienna - copper plate (aquatint); 3. black - zinc plate (lift-ground etching and aquatint). Biography: Robert Motherwell was born January 24, 1915, in Aberdeen, Washington. He was awarded a fellowship to the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles at age 11, and in 1932 studied painting briefly at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Motherwell received a B.A. from Stanford University in 1937 and enrolled for graduate work later that year in the Department of Philosophy at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. He traveled to Europe in 1938 for a year of study abroad. His first solo show was presented at the Raymond Duncan...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Aquatint, Etching, Intaglio

America La-France Variations IX
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Robert Motherwell (1915-1991), alongside Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, made up the quartet of American abstract painters that radically defined Modern painting...
Category

1980s Abstract Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Lithograph

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 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

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 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

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

Mediterranean Light
By Robert Motherwell
Located in New York, NY
1991 Lithograph in colors, on white TGL handmade paper Sheet: 32 2/5 x 76 inches Edition of 40 Signed and numbered in pencil Framed, mint condition
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Lithograph

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

Mediterranean Light
By Robert Motherwell
Located in New York, NY
1991 Lithograph in colors, on white TGL handmade paper Sheet: 32 2/5 x 76 inches Edition of 40 Signed and numbered in pencil Framed
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Lithograph

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

Bicentennial Suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Santa Fe, NM
French Revolution Bicentennial Suite is a set of four 1988 aquatints with photoengraving and collage elements by Robert Motherwell. The iconic Suite is hand signed in graphite by Mot...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Aquatint

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

French Revolution Bicentennial Suite lll
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Santa Fe, NM
French Revolution Bicentennial Suite III is a 1988 aquatint with photoengraving and collage elements by Robert Motherwell. French Revolution Bicenten...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Aquatint

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

Carnegie Hall
By Robert Motherwell
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork, titled "Carnegie Hall," from the suite New York, New York, 1982, is an original color lithograph with silkscreen and embossing by American ...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Lithograph, Screen

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

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

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 L’Etoile Studios, New York, for the Sonja Henie...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

Harvest With Blue Bottom, from Summer Light Series
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Robert Motherwell Harvest With Blue Bottom, from Summer Light Series 1973 Lithograph with collage 36 x 18 in. Edition of 55 Pencil signed and numbered; accomp...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Lithograph, Mixed Media

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

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

On the Wing
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
46.75 x 30.5 ins (118.7 x 77.5 cms) Edition of 70 Signed in pencil lower right. Numbered in pencil lower right; workshop chop mark lower right; workshop number "RM83-718" in pe...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Color, Lithograph

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

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

Game of Chance
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
88.3 x 69.9 cms (34.7 x 27.51 ins) Edition of 100
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Color, Aquatint, Lithograph

America - La France Variations I
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
118.1 x 81.6 cms (46.5 x 32.1 ins) Edition of 70 Published by Tyler Graphics, New York Signed and numbered in pencil
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

Mediterranean Light
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph on white Tyler Graphics Ltd. (TGL) handmade paper 32 1/2 x 76 in. (82.6 x 193 cm) Edition of 40
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Color, Lithograph

The Tower
By Robert Motherwell
Located in San Francisco, CA
Original etching printed in two colors on Johannot wove paper.  Hand-signed with the artist’s monogram in pencil in the margin lower right RM. A superb impression of the defini...
Category

20th Century Abstract Robert Motherwell Art

Red Sea III
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Aquatint and lift-ground etching on Georges Duchêne Hawthorne of Larroque handmade paper, Edition of 70 1983 90.2 x 46.4 cms (35 1/2 x 18 1/4 ins)
Category

1980s Abstract Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Put out all Flags
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Aquatint, lift-ground etching and aquatint on German Etching paper 53.3 x 73.7 cms (21 x 29 ins) Edition of 50
Category

1980s Abstract Robert Motherwell Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

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, 2022
    Robert 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Robert 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.

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