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 '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 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
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
Hand Signed Abstract Lithographs by Motherwell Frankenthaler Rivers Mid Century
By Robert Motherwell, Helen Frankenthaler, Larry Rivers
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
$706Sale Price|20% Off
Framed Poster of The Dance II, American Abstract Expressionism, 1952
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 Signed Catalogue with Lithograph- Selected Prints, 1961-1974
By Robert Motherwell
Located in CA, CA
First edition from an edition of 4000, published by Brooke Alexander, 1975. Untitled 1974. Lithograph with collage printed on Rives B.F.K. parer 10 x 24 inches This rare catalogue...
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
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
$324Sale Price|20% Off
H 24.02 in W 27.17 in D 0.79 in
Original Vintage Abstract Color Lithograph, Komposition by Anders Fogelin
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Anders Fogelin, Komposition, 1974 Color lithograph Number 97/200 Work with the artist's signature, title and individual number (in pencil) Working dimensions 61/69 The work is framed...
Paper
$1,600 / set
H 17 in W 15.5 in D 75 in
Botanical Hand-colored Copperplate engraving by Edward Dalton Smith
Located in Downingtown, PA
Botanical Brilliance: Edward Dalton Smith’s Copperplate Engravings 1829 This exquisite pair of hand-colored copperplate engravings represents the precision and artistry of the celeb...
Paper
Cy Twombly Framed Abstract Gaeta Lithographs Group of 8
By Cy Twombly
Located in Atlanta, GA
Group of Eight Abstract Photolithographs on Vellum by Cy Twombly, from the limited edition "Gaeta" portfolio produced by Hine Editions, San Francisco, CA, circa 1987. They have been ...
Glass, Wood, 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
$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
$1,483Sale Price|30% Off
H 21.66 in W 19.3 in D 1.58 in
Vintage Framed Poster by Bart Vander Leck: 'The Kat', circa 1960
By Bart van der Leck
Located in Barcelona, ES
Step into the world of mid-century artistry with this antique poster by Bart Vander Leck, titled "The Kat." Dating back to around 1960, this striking piece is framed in wood, adding ...
Wood
$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
$1,031
H 10.04 in W 12.21 in D 0.2 in
Robert Motherwell Signed Catalogue with Lithograph- Selected Prints, 1961-1974
By Robert Motherwell
Located in CA, CA
First edition from an edition of 4000, published by Brooke Alexander, 1975. Untitled 1974. Lithograph with collage printed on Rives B.F.K. parer 10 x 24 inches This rare catalogue...
Paper
Luke Butler The End Limited Edition Print
By Phaidon
Located in New York, NY
Photograph Color photograph made with archival pigments on fine art rag paper with matte finish Size varies based on edition This work comes with a "Certificate of Authenticity". Luke Butler...
Paper
$22,000
H 40.25 in W 47.25 in D 1.5 in
Helen Frankenthaler "Dream Walk" Lithograph, Signed and Numbered 39/47
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toledo, OH
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) Six color lithograph, Dream Walk, 1977. Number 39 from an edition of 47, pencil lower left corner. Signed and dated 1977 in pencil in lower right cor...
Paper
$925
H 15.5 in W 19.5 in D 1 in
American Revolutionary War Bond from the State of Connecticut in Custom Frame
Located in Yonkers, NY
An American Revolutionary war bond from the State of Connecticut from the late 18th century in custom black frame under glass. From the poignant tapestry of America's Revolutionary p...
Glass, Wood, 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
Sold
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, "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 9" 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 9 from a portfolio of 150. Signed and numbered. Archivally framed using acid free materials ...
Paper
Sold
H 40.16 in W 28.55 in D 0.4 in
Untitled, Plate 1 Africa Suite, Signed Robert Motherwell, circa 1970
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Screenprint, signed and numbered 25/150 with artist’s blindstamp. Printed by Kelpra Studio, London, published by Marlborough, Graphics, Inc., New York. On wove paper, with full mar...
Paper