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Robert Motherwell Figurative Prints

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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Artist: Robert Motherwell
The Quarrel, Lithograph with poem, signed/N (Belknap 294; Engberg & Banach 318)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in New York, NY
Robert Motherwell The Quarrel (Belknap 294; Engberg & Banach 318), 1983 Lithograph in colors on Arches cover mould paper Hand signed and numbered 1/100 in graphite on the front with ...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

America-La France Variations VII (large hand signed lithograph)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Aventura, FL
America-La France Variations VII (B. 303; E. & Ba. 335). Lithograph on white Arches cover paper in 11 colors with black German etching paper, blue TGL handmade paper with multicolor...
Category

1980s Pop Art Robert Motherwell Figurative Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

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 Figurative Prints

Materials

Aquatint

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 Figurative Prints

Materials

Aquatint

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Robert Motherwell figurative prints for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Robert Motherwell figurative prints available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Robert Motherwell in lithograph, aquatint, etching 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 figurative prints, so small editions measuring 10 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Frank Stella, Willem de Kooning, and Louisa Chase. Robert Motherwell figurative prints 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 $15,000, while the average work can sell for $3,400.
Questions About Robert Motherwell Figurative Prints
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    No, 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, 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.

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