As the de facto leader of the New York avant-garde art movement of the 1950s known as Abstract Expressionism, Dutch-American painter Willem de Kooning blended figuration and abstraction in a revolutionary manner that has resonated for decades. His best-known paintings, which were most often of women but gesturally abstract, were unique and incredibly influential at the time. Today, de Kooning is widely considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
De Kooning trained in fine and commercial arts at the Rotterdam Academy in his hometown of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, before immigrating to the United States in 1926. His first job in America was as a house painter in New Jersey, and the period left an indelible impression on him as he brought large brushes, loose strokes and fluid paints into his work as an artist. He also worked on public murals under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) program in the 1930s. De Kooning’s studies weren’t executed but they included some of his first abstractions, which showed the influence of like-minded artists as well as the music of the Jazz Age. His broad foundation in classical drawing and physical labor are evident even in the most abstract of his works, which amounted to a fusion of Cubism, Expressionism and Surrealism.
It was in New York that de Kooning found the space and an abundance of inspiration to pursue art full time. Surrounded by prominent artists like Jackson Pollock, Arshile Gorky, Lee Krasner and Fernand Léger, de Kooning drew from the freedom and boldness with which they all approached their work. In 1943, he married Elaine de Kooning, a versatile and immensely talented New York painter with a significant role in the Abstract Expressionist movement.
A major motif in de Kooning’s work is the deconstructed female form. A collection of paintings demonstrative of this is now known as his “Woman” series of the early 1950s, which remains controversial more than half a century later. Drawing inspiration from photography in magazines and using vivid colors and expressive brushstrokes to unforgettable effect, de Kooning depicted his subjects as grotesque, sexualized and loosely abstracted forms, which many critics deemed angry and misogynistic. But it is this very fearlessness in visual and conceptual experimentation that made de Kooning a crucial figure of Abstract Expressionism.
Today, de Kooning’s work is among the most coveted art in the world. His Interchange (1955), with its bold lines and shapes executed in primary colors, is one of the most expensive paintings ever sold.
Find a collection of Willem de Kooning art on 1stDibs.
Museum of Modern Art: Artists' Cookbook
By Willem de Kooning, Andy Warhol, MOMA Museum New York
Located in New York, NY
First trade edition of the Artists’ Cookbook, a compilation exploring the intersection of art and food, published in 1978 by the Museum of Modern Art New York and distributed by Harr...
Paper
$19,500
Art Card: Willem de Kooning and Elaine de Kooning, 1953 (Hand Signed by BOTH)
By Willem de Kooning
Located in New York, NY
Art Card: Willem de Kooning and Elaine de Kooning, 1953 (Hand Signed by BOTH Willem de Kooning and Elaine de Kooning) from the Dan Pope collection, 1985 Offset lithograph postcard (S...
Postcard
Willem de Kooning rare 1970s Abstract Expressionist print Signed/N small edition
By Willem de Kooning
Located in New York, NY
Willem de Kooning Annual Spring Invitational Art Exhibition (limited edition, hand signed & numbered by Willem de Kooning), 1979 Offset lithograph (hand signed and numbered) Sign...
Lithograph, Offset
Willem De Kooning Abstract on Newspaper
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Dallas, TX
Willem de Kooning (Dutch, 1904 - 1997) Abstract oil on Newspaper (NY Times, Friday Jan. 26, 1973). Pencil signed lower left. Provenance: - Private Collector, East Hampton New York;...
Oil, Newsprint
Valentine
By Willem de Kooning
Located in New York, NY
Lithograph on Suzuki paper. Signed, dated and numbered 38/47 in pencil by de Kooning. Printed by Hollanders Workshop, New York. Published by Knoedler, New York.
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
Willem de Kooning, (Reclining Female Nude) A Special Gift For His Dear Friends
By Willem de Kooning
Located in San Francisco, CA
With such fondness, 20th-century artistic titan Willem de Kooning gifted this charcoal sketch on paper to his close East Hampton friends Roger and Lucia Wilcox...
Paper, Charcoal
Willem De Kooning Abstract on Newsprint
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Dallas, TX
Willem de Kooning (Dutch, 1904 - 1997) Abstract Oil on Newspaper painting (NY Times, Friday Jan. 26, 1973). Pencil signed lower right. Provenance: - Private Collector, East Hampton...
Canvas, Oil
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
Composition for Lisa, Willem de Kooning
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Willem de Kooning (1904-1997) Title: Composition for Lisa Year: 1984 Medium: Color silkscreen on wove paper Edition: 250, plus proofs Size: 17.75 x 23.25 inches Condition: Ex...
Lithograph
The Preacher
By Willem de Kooning
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this scarce lithograph on Arches buff paper. Signed, dated and numbered 17/60 in pencil by de Kooning. Printed by Hollander's Workshop, Inc., New York. Co-p...
Lithograph
$6,000
"The Devil at the Keyboard" 1976 hand-signed lithograph by Willem de Kooning
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Boca Raton, FL
"The Devil at the Keyboard" 1976 color lithograph artist proof. Abstract portrait of Thelonious Monk by Willem de Kooning. Hand signed de Kooning and numbered A/P in front lower righ...
Lithograph
Untitled (Two Figures)
By Willem de Kooning
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this scarce offset lithograph on cream wove paper. Artist's proof, aside from the edition of 100. Signed in ink, lower right, and inscribed "A/P" in pencil,...
Lithograph, Offset
For Lisa
By Willem de Kooning
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this color lithograph on cream laid Japan paper. Signed and numbered 48/250 in pencil by de Kooning. Published by Brand X Editions, Ltd., New York, with the...
Color, Lithograph
For Lisa
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Fairlawn, OH
For Lisa Color lithograph, 1984 Signed in pencil lower left (see photo) Numbered lower right corner Published to benefit the Los Angeles Children's Museum Printed by Brand X Editions...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
Willem De Kooning "High School Desk" Lithograph, Signed, Numbered, Framed, 1970
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Kansas City, MO
Willem De Kooning (Dutch-American, 1904-1997) High school desk, 1970 Viscosity acid edged Lithograph print on Italia paper. Signed, dated and numbered. 26 of an edition of 57. P...
Gold Leaf
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
Clam Digger
By Willem de Kooning
Located in New York, NY
Lithograph on Arches. This impression is an Artist's proof, aside from the edition of 100. Signed and inscribed "A.P." in pencil by de Kooning. Printed and published by Hollander's W...
Lithograph
Rainbow: Thelonious Monk, Devil at the Keyboard, Lithograph by Willem De Kooning
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Willem de Kooning, Dutch/American (1904 - 1997) Title: Rainbow - Thelonious Monk - Devil at the Keyboard Year: 1972 Medium: Six Color Lithograph on Thin Velin, printed signat...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
Rainbow: Thelonious Monk, Devil at the Keyboard, Willem de Kooning
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Willem de Kooning (1904-1997) Title: Rainbow: Thelonious Monk, Devil at the Keyboard Year: 1976 Medium: Color lithograph on cream wove Beckett paper Edition: 125, plus proofs...
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
In the Sky, Abstract Expressionist Offset Lithograph Poster by Willem de Kooning
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Long Island City, NY
Willem de Kooning, Dutch/American (1904 - 1997) - In the Sky, Year: 1982, Medium: Offset Lithograph Poster, Size: 26 in. x 30.5 in. (66.04 cm x 77.47 cm), Frame Size: 27.5 x 30...
Lithograph
Untitled (Litho #7)
By Willem de Kooning
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this scarce and early lithograph on Arches. Edition of 50. Printed at Hollander's Workshop, Inc., New York, with the blind stamp lower right. Provenance: ...
Lithograph
Landscape at Stanton Street
By Willem de Kooning
Located in London, GB
Lithograph, 1971, on paper, signed and dated in pencil, numbered from the edition of 60, published by Hollanders Workshop and Fourcade, New York, 75.7 x 56 cm. (30 x 2 2in.)
Lithograph
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Willem de Kooning, Untitled, from Poems, 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Willem de Kooning (1904–1997), titled Untitled, from the folio Poems, originates from the 1988 edition published by The Limited Editions Club, New York, ...
Lithograph
Clam Digger
By Willem de Kooning
Located in New York, NY
Clam Digger, 1967 Signed and numbered in pencil Lithograph Image size: 12 in x 15.9 inches Sheet: 17.5 x 22.5 inches Edition XIII of XX
Lithograph
Price Upon Request
Quatre Lithographies
By Willem de Kooning
Located in London, GB
The complete set of four lithographs in colours on Arches wove paper, 1986, each signed and dated in pencil, from the edition of 100 (plus 50 numbered with Roman numerals), in the or...
Lithograph
Price Upon Request
The Man and the Big Blonde
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Missouri, MO
Willem de Kooning (Dutch, American, 1904-1997) The Man and the Big Blonde, 1982 Offset Lithograph in Colors on Wove Paper Numbered in Pencil LXXVII/CL (77/150) Lower Left 25.125 x 30...
Paper, Color, Offset
Price Upon Request
Woman in a Rowboat
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Willem de Kooning. "Woman in a Rowboat" is an abstract, oil on paper laid on masonite painting executed in a lush and swirling palette primarily of greens, whites, beiges and yellow and depicting an abstracted, nude woman in a boat by Post War artist Willem de Kooning. "Woman in a Rowboat" is a seminal work by de Kooning that has a new fluidity which relates to his next major series of Woman paintings which he began in 1964. Signed lower left, "de Kooning.” Provenance: Allan Stone Gallery, New York Private Collection, New York Private Collection, Arizona Exhibition: North Hampton, Smith College Museum of Art; Cambridge, The New Gallery, Charles Hayden Memorial Library, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Willem de Kooning: a Retrospective from Public and Private Collections, April – June 1965 (Cambridge only) New York, Allan Stone Gallery, De Kooning/Cornell, February – March 1965 Rotterdam, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, American Paintings, September - October 1966, cat. no. 26 Dublin, The Royal Dublin Society, Rosc'67:The Poetry of Vision, November – December 1967, p. 201, illustrated Detroit, J.L. Hudson, Willem de Kooning: Three Decades of Painting, March – April 1968, no. 31 (exhibition checklist) Easthampton, Gild Hall...
Masonite, Paper, Oil