Romare Bearden was an inventive American modern artist whose unique visual style set him apart. Working with a variety of media, Bearden made paintings distinguished by a bold use of color and rich texture. His figurative, landscape and portrait prints had influences ranging from Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso to traditional Japanese, Chinese and African art.
Bearden was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1911. He pursued a degree in education and attended Lincoln University, Boston University and New York University. At New York University he began taking courses in art. During his time there, he served as the art editor and lead cartoonist at a journal called The Medley. To further his creative passions, Bearden attended the Art Students League of New York. From 1935 to 1937, he was the editorial cartoonist for the Baltimore Afro-American.
Bearden worked as a social worker from the mid-1930s until the 1960s. He continued creating art during his evenings and weekends and began exhibiting in solo shows across the United States in the 1940s. Bearden would go on to exhibit throughout Europe.
Bearden was a prolific writer on social issues, and his words complemented his art. He was active in African American advocacy groups and helped found important community art venues and organizations like the Harlem Cultural Council in 1964 and the Studio Museum in Harlem in 1968. He also published books on art and African American art history.
Bearden earned many prestigious honors, including honorary doctorates from Davidson College, Atlanta University, Carnegie Mellon University and Pratt Institute. Bearden also received the New York City Mayor’s Award of Honor for Art and Culture in 1984 and the National Medal of Arts in 1987, presented by President Ronald Reagan. He died in New York City on March 12, 1988.
Today, Bearden's work is held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
On 1stDibs, find Romare Bearden’s prints, paintings, mixed media and more.
$9,000
QUILTING TIME Hand Signed Lithograph, Black Family Life African American Culture
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
QUILTING TIME is an original limited edition lithograph printed using traditional hand lithography methods on archival Somerset printmaking paper, 100% acid free. QUILTING TIME by th...
Lithograph
The Open Door 1979 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
By Romare Bearden
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Romare Bearden Title: The Open Door Year: 1979 Print: Lithograph on Somerset Paper Paper size : 22'' x 30'' Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 4/175 Romare Bearden is r...
Lithograph
$9,500
THE LANTERN Hand Signed Lithograph, Collage Portrait, African American Heritage
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
THE LANTERN is an original, handmade limited edition lithograph printed in 13 colors from hand drawn lithography plates using traditional hand lithography methods on archival Somerse...
Lithograph
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Girl in the Garden (Gelburd/Rosenberg 62), Romare Bearden
By Romare Bearden
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Romare Bearden (1911-1988) Title: Girl in the Garden (Gelburd/Rosenberg 62) Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Edition: 33/150, plus proofs Size: 28.75 x 2...
Lithograph
$9,000
THE CONVERSATION Signed Lithograph, Black Women, Train, African American Culture
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
THE CONVERSATION is an original limited edition lithograph printed using traditional hand lithography methods on archival Somerset printmaking paper, 100% acid free. THE CONVERSATION...
Lithograph
$9,250
FALLING STAR Signed Lithograph Black Woman Portrait, African American Culture
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
FALLING STAR is a limited edition color lithograph printed using traditional hand lithography methods on archival printmaking paper, 100% acid free, by the renowned African American artist Romare Bearden. FALLING STAR presents a visual memory from Bearden's childhood in Mecklenburg County North Carolina expressed as a modern collage portrait depicting a black woman set in a nostalgic Southern domestic interior. FALLING STAR's main focus is a black woman standing on the right drinking from a blue and white teacup...
Lithograph
$6,000Sale Price|23% Off
IN THE GARDEN Signed Lithograph, Black Woman Pink Gingham Dress Collage Portrait
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
IN THE GARDEN is a limited edition color lithograph printed using traditional hand lithography methods on archival printmaking paper, 100% acid free, in an edition size of 150 by the renowned African American artist Romare Bearden. Featuring fresh, uplifting shades of lavender, hues of fresh green, pink, warm tomato red, orange yellow, grays, black and white, IN THE GARDEN depicts a charming collage portrait drawing of a young black woman waving as she carries her basket of freshly picked flowers. She is standing in the garden wearing a bright pink gingham...
Lithograph
$5,500
Brass Section Jamming at Minton's 1979 Signed Lithograph by Romare Bearden
By Romare Bearden
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Romare Bearden Title Brass Section Jamming at Minton's from the Jazz Suite Year: 1979 Print - Lithograph on Arches Archival Paper Paper Size 27.75'' x 33.5'' Edition: Signed...
Lithograph
$17,000
THE LAMP Signed Lithograph Black Mother and Child Reading Brown vs. Board of Ed.
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
THE LAMP is a hand drawn limited edition color lithograph by the renowned American master artist Romare Bearden, proofed and printed using hand lithography in 19 colors plus silver f...
Lithograph
$8,700
MORNING OF THE ROOSTER Signed Lithograph, Black Woman, African American Culture
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
MORNING OF THE ROOSTER is a limited edition color lithograph printed using traditional hand lithography methods on archival printmaking paper, 100% acid free, by the renowned African...
Lithograph
Jazz II Deluxe 1980 Signed Limited Edition Screen Print
By Romare Bearden
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Romare Bearden Title: Jazz II Deluxe Medium: Screen Print Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 178/200 Size: 31 x 41½ inches Romare Bearden (1911–1988) was a celebrated Afri...
Screen
$2,250
The Lantern Original 1979 lithograph stamp signed artist proof. MINT CONDITION
By Romare Bearden
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Romare Bearden The Lantern Original lithograph in colors on paper From the rare limited Artist's Proof edition Stamp Signature 28 1/2 in X 20 in 1979
Lithograph
Mourning Wool Tapestry
By Romare Bearden
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Romare Bearden Title Mourning Hand Woven Textile Year 1986 Textile - Tapestry Size 45.25'' x 35'' inches Hand-made Wool Tapestry made in Tabriz style.
Wool
$4,500
Bopping at Birdland (Stomp Time) from the Jazz Series Signed Limited Edition
By Romare Bearden
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist : Romare Bearden Title; Bopping at Birdland (stomp time) Year: 1979 Size: 33 ¼ x 24 inches Lithograph on Arches Paper Edition; Signed in pencil and marked 114/175 (Gelburd/Ros...
Lithograph
Romare Bearden 1972 Mother and Child Screenprint
By Romare Bearden
Located in San Francisco, CA
Romare Bearden: 1911-1998. Very important and well listed African American artist with auction records over $770,000. He has an auction high over $31,000 for a single print. This imp...
Screen
$5,300Sale Price|22% Off
AUTUMN OF THE ROOSTER Signed Lithograph, Black Couple, African American Culture
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
AUTUMN OF THE ROOSTER is an original hand drawn, limited edition lithograph by the American master artist and collagist Romare Bearden printed usi...
Lithograph
$6,850
TWO WORLDS, FACES OF THE FUTURE Signed Lithograph, Figurative Collage Night Sky
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
TWO WORLDS, FACES OF THE FUTURE is a hand drawn, limited edition color lithograph by the renowned American artist Romare Bearden, printed using hand lithography techniques on archival Arches printmaking paper, 100% acid free. TWO WORLDS, FACES OF THE FUTURE is a multicolored collage landscape portraying a mysterious, jigsaw-shaped starry night sky in shades of deep blue, hues of bright green, golden yellow, and touches of red. In the foreground of TWO WORLDS, FACES OF THE FUTURE two human figures stand face to face exchanging stars beneath a celestial blue sky showered with twinkling lights. Bearden created this image bearing in mind the importance of advancement through education. This very unique Romare Bearden lithograph...
Lithograph
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
MECKLENBURG AUTUMN Hand Signed Lithograph, Black Women, African Mask, Quilt
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
MECKLENBURG AUTUMN is an original limited edition color lithograph printed using traditional hand lithography methods on archival Arches printmaking...
Lithograph
$6,000
OUT CHORUS( RHYTHM SECTION) Hand Signed Lithograph, Abstract Jazz Portrait, Sax
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
OUT CHORUS(RHYTHM SECTION) is a limited edition color lithograph printed using traditional hand lithography methods on archival Arches printmaking paper, 100% acid free, in an editio...
Lithograph
NOAH MEANS - A NEW DAY 1985 Lithograph Art Poster, Black Women, Rooster
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
ROMARE BEARDEN NOAH MEANS - A NEW DAY Year published - 1985 Commemorative Poster - Hofstra University - Noah Program Poster size - 34.5 x 21 inches, unframed, unsigned NOAH MEANS -...
Offset
“The Falling Star”
By Romare Bearden
Located in Warren, NJ
Romare Bearden lithograph “The Falling Star” signed and numbered. In good condition print measures 24x20.
Lithograph
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Introduction for a Blues Queen (Gelburd/Rosenberg 70-77), Jazz Series
By Romare Bearden
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Romare Bearden (1911-1988) Title: Introduction for a Blues Queen (Gelburd/Rosenberg 70-77) Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Edition: 47/175, plus proofs ...
Lithograph
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
LOUISIANA SERENADE Signed Lithograph, Two Men Playing Guitars, Woman on Veranda
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
LOUISIANA SERENADE is a limited edition color lithograph by the renowned African American artist Romare Bearden, printed on archival Somerset printmaking paper, 100% acid free, in an edition size of 175. LOUISIANA SERENADE, from Bearden's late 1970's colorful JAZZ series of musical imagery, captures a Southern evening depicting two male figures playing their guitars on the veranda while a seated woman sits listening beside a glowing glass chimney lamp. LOUISIANA SERENADE, printed in lush hues of green, red, yellow, purple, blue presents a free flowing watercolor-like abstract music portrait by the renowned American artist Romare Bearden. Print size - 24.5 x 33.75 inches, unframed, excellent condition, fresh colors, full bleed image, no margins, hand signed in pencil by Romare Bearden, printer's chop mark embossed on lower edge, print documentation provided Year Published - 1979 Edition size - 175, plus proofs About the artist- Romare Bearden (1911-1988) Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Romare Bearden is one of America’s most esteemed African American contemporary artists. Bearden grew up in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City and attended New York University where he received a degree in mathematics. Following graduation, Bearden turned his attention to art, pursuing further studies with George Grosz at the Art Students League. The artist served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1945. After leaving the Army, Bearden used funds from the GI Bill to travel to Europe for six months to study art history and philosophy at the Sorbonne. During this trip, Bearden had the opportunity to meet Henri Matisse, Georges Braque and Joan Miro, all of who had a strong influence on his artwork. Bearden’s work on canvas and collages expressed the complexities of rural Black America. “My intention is to reveal through pictorial complexities of the life I know,” he said. He integrated scenes from his childhood in North Carolina and from New York City, including many rituals and social customs. Another theme throughout his work was music. Bearden grew up surrounded by musicians and loved jazz and blues. Romare Bearden’s artwork can be found in numerous permanent collections around the country including the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrospective exhibitions of Bearden’s art have been held by The Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte; the Museum of Modern Art; the Detroit Institute; and the Studio Museum in Harlem. As well, President Reagan...
Lithograph
Bridgetown Barbados, Oil Monotype by Romare Bearden
By Romare Bearden
Located in Long Island City, NY
A unique oil print by Romare Bearden circa 1980. A bright city scene illustrated in a modern expressionist style. Artist: Romare Bearden, American (1911 - 1988) Title: Bridgetown, ...
Monoprint, Oil
The Olympics, Signed Modern Art Screenprint by Romare Bearden
By Romare Bearden
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Romare Bearden, American (1911 - 1988) Title: The Olympics Year: 1976 Medium: Serigraph on BFK Rives, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 200 Paper Size: 40 x 25 in. (101....
Screen
Louisiana Serenade from the Jazz Series
By Romare Bearden
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Romare Bearden Title: Louisiana Serenade (From the Jazz Series) Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 175 Paper Size: 24.5 x 33.75 inches Fram...
Lithograph
$6,500
PEPPER JELLY LADY Signed Lithograph Black Woman, Rooster, Train, Black Culture
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
PEPPER JELLY LADY is a hand drawn, limited edition lithograph by one of the most important American artists of the 20th century, Romare Bearden whose artwork depicted the African-Ame...
Lithograph
Mecklenburg Autumn 1979 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
By Romare Bearden
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Romare Bearden Title: Mecklenburg Autumn Year: 1979 Print - Lithograph on Somerset paper Size - 21" x 29" inches Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 6/175 in pencil, lowe...
Lithograph
$9,000
MORNING Signed Lithograph, Interior Scene Black Women, African American Culture
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
MORNING is an original limited edition lithograph printed using traditional hand lithography methods on archival Somerset printmaking paper, 100% acid free. MORNING by the African Am...
Lithograph
$5,500
BRASS SECTION(Jamming at Minton's) Signed Lithograph, Abstract Jazz Portrait
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
BRASS SECTION(Jamming at Minton's) is a limited edition color lithograph by the renowned African American artist Romare Bearden, printed on archival printmaking paper, 100% acid free...
Lithograph
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Louisiana Serenade (Gelburd/Rosenberg 70-77), Jazz Series, Romare Bearden
By Romare Bearden
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Romare Bearden (1911-1988) Title: Louisiana Serenade (Gelburd/Rosenberg 70-77) Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Edition: 39/175, plus proofs Size: Paper ...
Lithograph
$6,980
PEPPER JELLY LADY Hand Signed Lithograph, Black Woman, Rooster, Family Memories
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
PEPPER JELLY LADY is a hand drawn, limited edition lithograph by one of the most important American artists of the 20th century, Romare Bearden. PEPPER JELLY LADY was printed using t...
Lithograph
$5,500
TENOR SERMON Signed Lithograph, Abstract Portrait Jazz Music Drum Sax Trombone
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
TENOR SERMON is a limited edition color lithograph by the renowned African American artist Romare Bearden(September 2, 1911 – March 12, 1988), printed on archival printmaking paper, ...
Lithograph
$5,500
INTRODUCTION FOR A BLUES QUEEN (Uptown At Savoy) Signed Lithograph, Jazz Club
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
INTRODUCTION FOR A BLUES QUEEN(Uptown At Savoy) is a limited edition color lithograph by the renowned African American artist Romare Bearden, printed on archival printmaking paper, ...
Lithograph
Louisiana Serenade 1979 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
By Romare Bearden
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Romare Bearden Louisiana Serenade (from Jazz Series) - 1979 Print - Lithograph Framed - 33 x 42 inches Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 159/175 Romare Bearden is among the pree...
Lithograph
The Lantern
By Romare Bearden
Located in New York, NY
Color lithograph, 1979. An artist's proof impression, aside from the numbered edition of 175. Signed by the artist in pencil, lower right. Inscribed "AP" (artist's proof) in pencil...
Lithograph, Color
$125,000
Bridge Contemporary African American Urban Landscape 20th Century Alvin Ailey NY
By Romare Bearden
Located in New York, NY
"Bridge" Contemporary African American Urban Landscape 20th Century Alvin Ailey NYC ROMARE BEARDEN (American, 1914-1988) The Bridge, 1982 signed 'Romare Bearden' (upper left); with...
Paper, Watercolor
“Autumn of the Rooster”
By Romare Bearden
Located in Warren, NJ
This is an Romare Bearden (1911-1988): Autumn of the Rooster. In good condition might need matting measures 29x23
Lithograph
$5,500
BOPPING AT BIRDLAND (STOMP TIME) Signed Lithograph, Abstract Jazz Portrait, Sax
By Romare Bearden
Located in Union City, NJ
BOPPING AT BIRDLAND(STOMP TIME) is a limited edition color lithograph printed using traditional hand lithography methods on archival Somerset printmaking paper, 100% acid free, in an...
Lithograph
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Bopping at the Birdland (Gelburd/Rosenberg 70-77), Jazz Series, Romare Bearden
By Romare Bearden
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Romare Bearden (1911-1988) Title: Bopping at the Birdland (Gelburd/Rosenberg 70-77) Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Edition: 110/175, plus proofs Size: ...
Lithograph
$8,400Sale Price|20% Off
Out Corus (Gelburd/Rosenberg 70-77), Jazz Series, Romare Bearden
By Romare Bearden
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Romare Bearden (1911-1988) Title: Out Corus (Gelburd/Rosenberg 70-77) Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Edition: 147/175, plus proofs Size: Paper Size: 23...
Lithograph
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tenor Sermon (Gelburd/Rosenberg 70-77), Jazz Series, Romare Bearden
By Romare Bearden
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Romare Bearden (1911-1988) Title: Tenor Sermon (Gelburd/Rosenberg 70-77) Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Edition: 138/175, plus proofs Size: Paper Size:...
Lithograph
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Brass Section (Gelburd/Rosenberg 70-77), Jazz Series, Romare Bearden
By Romare Bearden
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Romare Bearden (1911-1988) Title: Brass Section (Gelburd/Rosenberg 70-77) Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Edition: 110/175, plus proofs Size: Paper Size...
Lithograph
Price Upon Request
High Surf Orient Bay, St. Martin, Abstract Oil Monotype by Romare Bearden
By Romare Bearden
Located in Long Island City, NY
A unique oil monotype by Romare Bearden circa 1980. Reminiscent of the artist’s watercolor paintings, he used thinned oil to produce the crashing waves in bold bright colors. Artist...
Monotype
Price Upon Request
The Soul Never Dwells in a Dry Place
By Romare Bearden
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Romare Bearden, American (1911 - 1988) Title: The Soul Never Dwells in a Dry Place Date: October, 1946 Medium: Oil on Masonite, signed l.l. Size: 24 in. x 31 in. (60.96 ...
Oil
Price Upon Request
Memories #2
By Romare Bearden
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Romare Bearden Title: Memories #2 Year: 1981 Medium: Ink, Dye Paint and Collage, signed left Paper Size: 8.8 x 9.8 inches Frame Size: 11 x 15 inches
Dye, Ink
Price Upon Request
Sunrise Coffee
By Romare Bearden
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Romare Bearden Title: Sunrise Coffee Year: 1970 Medium: Collage and Mixed Media on Masonite, signed left and verso Size: 18 in. x 21 in. (45.72 cm x 53.34 cm) Frame Si...
Masonite