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.
Romare Bearden, 1911-1988, “Martin Luther King, Jr. Mountain Top” Lithograph
By Romare Bearden
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
29.75 x 19.5 in. (75.57 x 49.53 cm) Romare Bearden’s screenprint celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whom we honor today. Bearden created this artwork in the same...
Paper
Romare Bearden Silkscreen "Circe into Swine", Signed, HC 1/30, Odyssey Suite
By Romare Bearden
Located in Toledo, OH
Romare Bearden (1911-1988) silkscreen print lithograph "Circe into Swine". This lithograph is part of the Odyssey Suite, which reimagines classical mythology through the lens of Afri...
Paper
The Painter's Mind (Co-authored by Romare Bearden)
By Romare Bearden
Located in New York, NY
First edition of an exposition on structure and space in painting co-authored by American artists Romare Bearden and Carl Holty. Published in 1969 by Crown Publishers. 8vo (6.5” x 9....
Paper
Painter Anatomical Skull
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this painter anatomical human skull, circa 1970. This skull was acquired from a painter's studio, the skull was painted with oil paint.
Plaster
The Passions of the Mind a Novel of Sigmund Freud by Irving Stone 1971
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The Passions of the Mind a novel of Sigmund Freud by Irving Stone. Vintage book, 1st edition: 1971 Biography of Sigmund Freud In the 1880's, Vienna was Europe's glamour capital. It was in that brilliant city that Sigmund Freud began his long struggle to free people...
Paper
Manolo Valdes. Perfil 111, "Chiara" Etching and Silkscreen 30/50
By Manolo Valdés
Located in Bellport, NY
Manolo Valdes born 1942 is a Spanish artist living in New York and Madrid. Manolo's inspiration largely originates from the unique styles and techniques belonging to the old masters,...
Other
Great Women Painters
By Phaidon
Located in New York, NY
A sumptuous survey of over 300 women painters and their work spanning almost five centuries Great Women Painters is a groundbreaking book that reveals a richer and more varied telling of the story of painting. Featuring more than 300 artists from around the world, it includes both well-known women painters from history and today's most exciting rising stars. Covering nearly 500 years of skill and innovation, this survey continues Phaidon's celebrated The Art Book series and reveals and champions a more diverse history of art, showcasing recently discovered and newly appreciated work and artists throughout its more than 300 pages and images. Artists featured include: Hilma af Klint, Eileen Agar, Sofonisba Anguissola...
Paper
Pisanello, Painter to the Renaissance Court, First Edition
By Luke Syson, Dillian Gordon
Located in valatie, NY
Pisanello, Painter to the Renaissance Court by Luke Syson and Dillian Gordon. London: National Gallery Company, 2001. First edition hardcover with dust jacket. 264 pp. A book on the works of Pisanello by London's National Gallery to accompany the exhibition. Pisanello (1395-1455) was one of the most distinguished painters of the early Italian Renaissance. He is known for his amazing large murals, elegant portraits, small easel...
Paper
$395
H 14.75 in W 11.25 in D 1.5 in
Frida Kahlo: The Painter and Her Work by Helga Prignitz-Poda (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Frida Kahlo is now regarded as one of the foremost artists of the 20th century. Her reputation grew late in her life and more so, posthumously. During her life she was more famous fo...
Paper
Pair of Signed Tommi Parzinger Silkscreen Prints
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of early examples of Tommi Parzinger silkscreened prints, signed in pencil, original frames, frames 17" diameter, art 14" diameter.
Screen
$1,456
H 20.87 in W 18.9 in D 1.19 in
Kumi Sugaï “Festival A” — limited edition silkscreen, signed & numbered, 1970s
By Kumi Sugai
Located in Weesp, NL
Importing Art into the United States is exempt from all U.S. tariffs but please, do check Kumi Sugaï “Festival A” — limited edition silkscreen, signed & numbered, 1970s A striking ...
Aluminum
Die Hard 1988 Egyptian Film Poster
Located in Bath, Somerset
Yippee-ki-yay. A cracking original Egyptian film poster for Die Hard, one of the greatest action movies ever made — and, yes, a Christmas favourite. This bold international design gi...
Paper
Signed 1st Edition of 'Minding the Store' by Stanley Marcus
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A SIGNED FIRST EDITION of ‘Minding the Store’ A Memoir by Stanley Marcus. Published by Little, Brown (1974). First Edition Second Printing. Pages 383. Dust Cover in fai...
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King Kong Escapes 1988 Egyptian Style A Film Poster, Samy
Located in Bath, Somerset
King Kong meets kaiju chaos. This Egyptian poster for King Kong Escapes piles Kong, Mechani-Kong, monsters and laser beams into a wonderfully hectic hand-painted composition. Ishir...
Paper
$275
H 11.75 in W 9.75 in D 0.75 in
Paktong, by W.D. John & Katherine Coombes, 1/500, Signed by the Authors, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Paktong: The Non-Tarnishable Chinese 'Silver' Alloy Used for 'Adam' Firegrates and Early Georgian Candlesticks by W. D. John and Katherine Coombes, 1/500, Signed by Both Authors. Ceramic Book...
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Max Papart signed silkscreen
By Max Papart
Located in Westport, CT
Max Papart signed deco silkscreen 47/150 (1911-1994)
$99
H 10.25 in W 7.5 in D 1 in
Artists Under Vichy: A Case of Prejudice and Persecution Signed by the Author
By Michele C. Cone
Located in valatie, NY
Artists Under Vichy: A Case of Prejudice and Persecution by Michele C. Cone. Princeton University Press, 1992. Signed and inscribed hardcover with dust jacket. With more than 70 illu...
Paper
$69
H 12.25 in W 9.5 in D 1 in
"The Mind and Art of Giovanni Piranesi" Book by John Wilton-Ely, First Edition
By John Wilton-Ely
Located in valatie, NY
The Mind and Art of Giovanni Piranesi by John Wilton-Ely. London: Thames and Hudson, 1988. Stated first edition paperback. 155 pp. A portfolio of the artwork and history of artist Gi...
Paper
Original Romare Bearden Lithograph The Wall Signed Numbered
By Romare Bearden
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful early Romare Bearden The Wall. 1972 low number 2/150. Sourced from original owner. Offset color lithograph, 1972. 559x737 mm; 22x29 inches, full margins. Signed and number...
Paper
Romare Bearden Screenprint "Home to Ithaca"
By Romare Bearden
Located in Toledo, OH
This artist edition screenprint of "Home to Ithaca 1977" by Romare Bearden (1911-1988) is signed H.C 1/30 on the lower left and signed on the lower right. This piece is from the Odys...
Paper
Sold
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 1.5 in
Romare Bearden Limited Edition Lithograph 148/150 "Girl In The Garden"
By Romare Bearden
Located in Toledo, OH
Limited edition lithograph by Romare Bearden (1914-1988) 148/150 titled "Girl In The Garden", circa 1979. Very nice condition. Dimensions: 1.5" dept...
Paper
Romare Bearden Color Lithograph, 1971, "Dreams of Exile"
By Romare Bearden
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Original color lithograph by African American Modernist Artist Romare Bearden (1911-1988). Title: Dreams of Exile Date of Creation: 1971 Size: 21 7/8" H x 16 1/2" W Signed in pen...
Paper
Mid-Century Modern Framed Lithograph Signed Romare Bearden 60/175
By Romare Bearden
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a framed lithograph, signed and numbered by Romare Bearden, 60/175. In excellent condition. The dimensions of the frame are W-34" x H-28" and the dimensions...