Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
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.
to
35
9
49
31
20
41
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
132
7
2
1
1
1
209
1,349
969
773
757
149
1
8
41
79
10
115
32
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
100
30
26
25
11
28
8
71
65
Artist: Robert Motherwell
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Lithograph
Monster
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph on speckled gray HMP handmade paper
104.1 x 78.7 cms (41 x 31 ins)
Edition of 26
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Color, Mixed Media, 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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Lithograph
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Screen
Africa Suite #10
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 abstract painters that radically defined Modern painting in Ameri...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
Materials
Screen
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Lithograph, Mixed Media
The Persian II
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 Expressionist Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Lithograph
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Screen
Frontispiece from" A la Pintura"
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A print by Robert Motherwell. "Frontispiece from 'A la Pintura'" is an aquatint executed in blue and brown and depicts the writing A la Pintura below a small blue rectangle by Post War artist Robert Motherwell. Signed lower right, in ink, "Robert Motherwell 1972...
Category
1970s Post-War Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
Materials
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 Prints and Multiples
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 Prints and Multiples
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Screen
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Screen
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Screen
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Etching, Aquatint
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VIII
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué to Arches paper.
Siri Engberg and Joan Banach 'Robert Motherwell: The Complete Prints 1940-1991. Catalogue Raisonne', Walker Art Center and Hudson Hills...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
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 Prints and Multiples
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 Prints and Multiples
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 Prints and Multiples
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Color, Lithograph
Untitled No. 6
By Robert Motherwell
Located in New York, NY
One of the most experimental & courageous printmakers of the 20th century, Robert Motherwell’s, Untitled #6 (from The Basque Suite) demonstrates the bold, highly saturated areas of c...
Category
20th Century Modern Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
Materials
Screen
Beau Geste pour Lucrèce
By Robert Motherwell
Located in New York, NY
The complete suite of six individual, lyrical lithographs, each hand-signed and numbered, each measuring 22 x 15 in (56 x 38 cm), unframed, from the edition of 100 with 15 AP’s.
Category
20th Century Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
Materials
Lithograph
Three Poems: Spanish Elegy
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Palo Alto, CA
Created in 1988, this lithograph and chine appliqué is hand-signed by Robert Motherwell (Aberdeen, 1915 - Provincetown, 1991) in pencil in the lower right margin and is numbered from the edition of 50 in pencil in the lower right margin.
About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Robert Motherwell Three Poems...
Category
1980s Modern Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
Materials
Lithograph
America La-France Variations IX
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Palo Alto, CA
Created in 1984, this lithograph and collage on paper is hand-signed by Robert Motherwell (Aberdeen, 1915 - Provincetown, 1991) in pencil in the lower right margin. Numbered from the...
Category
1980s Modern Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
Materials
Mixed Media, Lithograph
Paroles peintes III: Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Open-bite etching printed in dark, brownish black on fibrous Japan paper. Signed "R. Motherwell," or "Motherwell" in pencil, lower right. Numbered in pencil, lower right. Paper size:...
Category
Mid-20th Century Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
Materials
Etching
Beau Geste I
By Robert Motherwell
Located in New York, NY
From a portfolio of six individual lithographs, each created as Robert Motherwell’s visualization of six poems by Marcelin Pleynet, Beau Geste I was printed in 1989 by Teluride Press...
Category
20th Century Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
Materials
Lithograph
America - La France variations I, 46/70 color lithograph with collage
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Three Oaks, MI
America-La France Variations I 1983-4. Lithograph in colors with collage on Tyler Graphics Ltd. handmade paper. Signed in pencil Numbered 46/70 (there were also XVIII artist’s proofs...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
Materials
Lithograph
Red Samurai, from Octavio Paz suite
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
Red Samurai, from Octavio Paz suite
1987-88
Lithograph and linoleum cut in colors with chine appliqué on handmade Japanese Masa Dos...
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
Materials
Handmade Paper, Lithograph, Linocut
Sirens II - 20th Century, Robert Motherwell, Figurative, Print, Expressionist
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Köln, DE
An aquatint etching out of 1988 in a very good condition and bright colours. 57 x 66 cm. Edition of 90, signed and numbered.
Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
Materials
Aquatint
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (Poster) -- signed limited edition
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Missouri, MO
Original color lithograph designed by Robert Motherwell for the 94th Season, Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
From the limited edition of 120 + A.P.s on Arches Cove...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
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 Prints and Multiples
Materials
Lithograph, Screen
Robert Motherwell prints and multiples for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Robert Motherwell prints and multiples available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of prints and multiples 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, blue and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Robert Motherwell in lithograph, etching, aquatint 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 prints and multiples, so small editions measuring 6 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Sam Francis, Sam Gilliam, and Louise Nevelson. Robert Motherwell prints and multiples prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,000 and tops out at $90,000, while the average work can sell for $10,000.
Artists Similar to Robert Motherwell
Questions About Robert Motherwell Prints and Multiples
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024No, Robert Motherwell was not a Surrealist painter. The American artist was the youngest member of the New York School, a group of Abstract Expressionists working in art, dance, poetry and music in the 1950s and '60s. However, Motherwell did meet a group of exiled Parisian Surrealists while attending Columbia University to study art history in the 1940s. This encounter proved influential in his style. Inspired by their work, 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. On 1stDibs, find a selection of 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.