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.
Robert Motherwell (Oil on Canvas, The Dance II, 1952), Poster/ Print, MOMA NY
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Valencia, VC
Robert Motherwell – The Dance II (1952), Framed Poster Framed printed poster after The Dance II (1952) by Robert Motherwell, a leading figure of American Abstract Expressionism and ...
Paper
Robert Motherwell 'Mulligan's Tower' Etching, 1983
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Dallas, TX
Robert Motherwell (America, 1915-1991) was a pioneer in the Abstract Expressionist art movement which flourished in New York City in the mid 20th Century. As a painter, printmaker a...
Paper
Robert Motherwell Ink on Paper, 1976
By Robert Motherwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Robert Motherwell, Untiled, Ink on Paper, 1976 Robert Motherwell (American, 1915-1991) Ink on handmade paper 11 inches high x 16 inches wide This work is framed in an Italian gil...
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
Robert Motherwell Abstract Expressionist Print in 19th Century Gilt Frame
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Abstract Expressionist Print, by Robert Motherwell, American, circa 1967. This work is from the limited edition portfolio "In Memory of My Feelings: A Selection of Poems by Frank O'Hara". Only 2500 were printed. This example has been professionally framed under UV resistant glass in a 19th Century gilt frame.
Glass, Wood, Paper
Hand Signed Abstract Lithographs by Motherwell Frankenthaler Rivers Mid Century
By Larry Rivers, Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Motherwell
Located in Atlanta, GA
American abstract art exhibition offset lithographs featuring the artwork of Robert Motherwell, Helen Frankenthaler, and Larry Rivers. All hand signed by the artists after printing. ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
1979 Robert Motherwell Dalton Print 34/150 Framed
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
Robert Motherwell Dalton Print 1979 signed lithograph Ed. 34/150 Printed on tan BFK Rives mould-made paper. Printed and published by Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Bedford, NY with the blind ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Robert Motherwell Abstract Expressionist Original Lithograph Mid Century Art
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Abstract Expressionist Original Lithograph, by Robert Motherwell, from the limited edition folio "Robert Motherwell", France, circa 1989. It has been recently framed in a vintage gil...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Robert Motherwell Signed Limited Edition Large Aquatint Etching Blackened Sun
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Studio City, CA
A breathtaking, large in scope and scale, rivetting work by American abstract expressionist painter, and master printmaker Robert Motherwell (1915-1991). This aquatint/lift ground ...
Paper
Robert Motherwell "Blue and Green" Tapestry
By Robert Motherwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Robert Motherwell Blue and Green Tapestry The Textile was commissioned by Modern Masters Tapestry, inc. Originally woven in 1965 A neutral beige backgr...
Wool
Large Robert Motherwell "La Guerra I" Lithograph, Signed
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large Robert Motherwell (American 1915-1991) Lithograph titled "La Guerra I” circa 1980. Signed, Limited Edition. This is a bold, emotionally charged abstract work by one of the lea...
Paper
Robert Motherwell On the Wing 1984, Lithograph, Embossing & Collage ed. 32/70
By Robert Motherwell
Located in St. Louis, MO
Robert Motherwell (1915-1991) New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts. On the Wing, 1984, Lithograph in colors with embossing and collage, on Arches paper, with full margins, ed. 32/70...
Paper
"Elegy (Study)" by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
A lithograph titled, "Elegy ( Study )" by Robert Motherwell 1979, signed and numbered 42/98 in pencil with Motherwell's blind stamp. There were 12 artist proofs in addition to the 98...
Paper
Early Untitled Lithograph by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
"Untitled" by Robert Motherwell was printed as part of "9", a portfolio with works of 9 other abstract expressionist artists including Willem de Kooning, Sam Francis, Ellsworth Kelly...
Paper
Robert Motherwell '1915-1991' Amer, Etching & Aquatint
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Sarasota, FL
Titled, "Black Mountain, State II", 1983 etching and aqautint in red and blue. Numbered 29/32 and pencil-signed Motherwell lower right. Thick black lines on a brilliant red field. Am...
Paper
$13,900
Robert Motherwell, Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
"Untitled" Lithograph by Robert Motherwell on Arches Paper. Signed and numbered 198/225 in pencil. Printed by Irwin Hollander, New York, with artist...
Paper
Robert Motherwell '1915-1991' Amer, Litho/Collage
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Sarasota, FL
Titled, "Game of Chance", Lithograph, aquatint, paper, pastel and acrylic paint on paper, numbered 21/100, signed in lower right corner. Presented by Tyler Graphics Ltd in honour of ...
Paper
"Primal Sign V Copper" Aquatint and Etching by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
"Primal Sign V (Copper)" aquatint and etching from one zinc plate by Robert Motherwell (American. 1915-1991) Numbered 18/28 with 7 artist proofs in edition. Archival framed using mus...
Paper
"Abstraction" India Ink on Paper by Nell Blaine, USA, 1948
By Nell Blaine
Located in New York, NY
During her first years in New York Blaine's work, which had previously been tightly realist, turned abstract, inspired by Mondrian, Leger and Jean Helion. At one time she was the you...
Paper
$360Sale Price|20% Off
H 19.1 in W 27.76 in D 0.1 in
Mid Century Modern Abstract Art Lithograph Signed Aki Kimoto
Located in Miami, FL
Original modern art lithograph by Japanese artist Aki Kimoto. This colorful piece bears an original signature and is number 12/150 of the limited edition. Combining cubic images as w...
Paper
Surrealist Framed Print by Bruce Richards
By Bruce Richards
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Surrealist framed print by Bruce Richards (American, born 1948): "Witness (Man Ray)". Numbered 2/45 and signed Bruce Richards '92.
Ink, Paper
Flamingo Print from Audubon's Birds of America C1838 in Round Frame, New
By John James Audubon
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a digitally remastered print of a Flamingo referenced from an Audubon. Birds of America hand coloured print, originally from the 1800's. Prints of this style were origina...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Early Untitled Lithograph by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
"Untitled" by Robert Motherwell was printed as part of "9", a portfolio with works of 9 other abstract expressionist artists including Willem de Kooning, Sam Francis, Ellsworth Kelly...
Paper
$800Sale Price / item|33% Off
H 13.5 in W 6.75 in D 0.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Unframed Calyph's Favorite Erté Hand Signed Lithograph
By Erté
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a marvelous, hand signed lithograph by artist Erté, father of the Art Deco movement. Size is 13.5" H x 6.75” W. In excellent vintage condition. Romain de...
Paper
Complete Set of “Three Aquatints”, Prints by Robert Mangold
By Robert Mangold
Located in Stamford, CT
A complete set of “Three Aquatints” prints by Robert Mangold. Published by Parasol Press Ltd., on Rives BFK paper. Each signed, numbered and annotated A, B, C in pencil. Framed using...
Paper
$800Sale Price / item|33% Off
H 13 in W 10 in D 0.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Deco Unframed Calyph's Concubine Erte Signed Lithograph
By Erté
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a gorgeous, unframed, hand signed lithograph by artist Erte, father of the Art Deco movement. Size is 13” H x 10” W unframed. Romain de Tirtoff was a Rus...
Paper
$800Sale Price / item|33% Off
H 13 in W 7 in D 0.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Unframed Scheherezade 6 Harem Erté Hand Signed Lithograph
By Erté
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a beautiful, hand signed and numbered lithograph by artist Erté, father of the Art Deco movement. In excellent vintage condition. Size is 13” H x 7” W. R...
Paper
$517 / set
H 1.38 in W 14.97 in D 19.69 in
Set of TWO Tropical Plants Framed Prints from 19thC originals, New
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
These are a set of TWO new, digitally remastered, framed coloured rectangular prints of Tropical Pants; one with Plants used for Food and the other with Plants used for Clothing, da...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$404Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.17 in W 20.48 in D 0.79 in
Mid Century Abstract Color Lithography signed and numbered, 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Crafted during the vibrant 1970s, this Mid Century Abstract Color Lithography, signed and numbered, is a testament to the era's artistic dynamism. The lithograph bursts with bold col...
Cut Glass, Oak, Lacquer, Paper
19th Century Print in Hand Carved Rope Frame
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand colored print of the Noddleburn of Glasgow, which was a three masted sailing cargo ship. The ship went missing in 1895 on its voyage to Chile, transporting a shipm...
Oak, Paper
Sold
H 20.25 in W 30.25 in D 0.75 in
Robert Motherwell Hand Signed Exhibition & Black Lithograph Poster Dance I, 1979
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful and engaging lithographic exhibition poster by American abstract expressionist painter, and master printmaker Robert Motherwell (1915-1991) titled "Dance I" (1978). This work is from his 1979 exhibition "Robert Motherwell & Black " which was held at The William Benton Museum of Art at The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The lithograph/print is hand-signed by Motherwell (as well as signed in the plate top right) on wove paper. The original owner went to the opening of the show and had Motherwell sign...
Paper
Summertime In Italy 'With Blue' Lithograph by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
"Summertime in Italy with Blue" a lithograph by Robert Motherwell. Signed and blind stamped. 65/100 from edition of 100 with artist proofs. Newly f...
Paper
Robert Motherwell, West Islip, Lithograph with Hand Painting, 1970
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
Robert Motherwell, (1915-1991) West Islip, 1970 Lithograph with hand painted acrylic on Rives BFK paper, signed in pencil and numbered 10/20 there were also 2 artist's proofs, with...
Paper
Robert Motherwell, Untitled Serigraph
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
A Robert Motherwell Serigraph from an edition of 250. Framed using acid free materials and gilt frame. Signed and numbered 199/250.
Paper
Selection of Robert Motherwell Lithographs
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Robert Motherwell lithographs, circa 1960s. They have been recently framed in clean lined black lacquer gallery frames. They...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Robert Motherwell, Untitled Lithograph on Arches Paper
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
A lithograph by Robert Motherwell. "Untitled" on full sheet of arches paper with blind stamp, signed and numbered in pencil 199/225. Newly framed using ac...
Paper
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H 23.5 in W 40.75 in D 1.5 in
Robert Motherwell Etching and Aquatint, Running Elegy ii, Blue State, 1983
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
Color etching and aquatint, 1983, on Hawthorne of Larrouque handmade paper, signed and numbered 1/10 in pencil, published by the artist and with his blind stamp, with full margins. F...
Paper
Robert Motherwell "London Series II"
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
The complete suite of 5 silk screens by Robert Motherwell published in 1970-71 by Marlborough Graphics Inc. Printed at Kelpra Studio in London under the direction of Chris Prater. In...
Paper
Robert Motherwell Signed Lithograph 92/150 Africa II
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Toledo, OH
Signed and numbered lithograph 92/150 titled Africa II by American artist Robert Motherwell. Framed in a silver frame with cream mat.
Paper
Robert Motherwell, "Chair" Lithograph in Colors
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
"Chair' was printed using three lithography stones and one aluminum plate on Rives BFK paper. The work was published by Erker-Presse with their blind stamp. It was an edition of 300 ...
Paper
Large, Signed and Numbered, Robert Motherwell Lithograph
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Elegy Study I" - Signed and annotated P.P.II, 1989 lithograph in colors on light brown, TGL handmade paper by iconic American artist, Robert Motherwell (1915-1991). From an edition ...
Paper
"Africa 8" Silkscreen by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
A silkscreen by Robert Motherwell. This silkscreen is from his Africa suite and is number 8 from a portfolio of 150. Signed and labelled "a/p" (Artist Proof). Archivally framed using...