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, MOMA Museum New York, Andy Warhol
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
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
$1,245
H 25.5 in W 23 in D 1.5 in
Alberto Giacometti Framed Black and White Limited Lithograph "Annette", 1964
By Alberto Giacometti
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful sketched lithograph by famed Swiss artists/sculptor Alberto Giacometti. The lithograph was printed in Paris by Mourlot Freres in 1964 and was issued in an edition of ...
Paper
$760Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.13 in W 33.63 in D 1.13 in
Framed Lithograph Landscape with View of the Lake and Boats Signed
By Henri Martin
Located in Miami, FL
A very colorful lithograph professionally framed, signed. This interesting work of art is attributed to Bernard Gatner. Will enhance any space. Measures: 26 1/8" H x 33 5/8" W x 1...
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
Japan, The Cookbook
Located in New York, NY
The definitive, home cooking recipe collection from one of the most respected and beloved culinary cultures Japan: The Cookbook has more than 400 sumptuous recipes by acclaimed food writer Nancy Singleton Hachisu. The iconic and regional traditions of Japan are organized by course and contain insightful notes alongside the recipes. The dishes - soups, noodles, rices, pickles, one-pots, sweets, and vegetables - are simple and elegant. Nancy Singleton Hachisu lives on a farm in Japan with her family, and is a James Beard Award-nominated author of two cookbooks: Japanese Farm...
Paper
Breakfast: The Cookbook
Located in New York, NY
Start the day with the definitive cookbook of authentic home-cooking breakfast dishes from around the world Breakfast is the most important, and comforting, time of day for billion...
Paper
Custom Framed Lithograph by Marcel Vertes, Signed and Numbered
By Marcel Vertès
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a beautiful custom-framed lithograph by Hungarian-born French artist, Marcel Vertes, entitled "Circus Queens". The piece is signed, Vertes, in the lower right corner and numbered, "30/50" in the lower left corner. The image itself measures 23" high x 16" wide. The frame is a 2" thick 2 toned framed, black and a subtle cerused-like grey. It was originally sold through the Vincent Price...
Wood
Portugal: The Cookbook
By Phaidon
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate Portugal’s vibrant, globally-influenced - and influential - food culture via more than 550 classic and contemporary recipes With its diverse cuisine and intriguing culinary history, Portugal is a top travel destination for food lovers worldwide. Portugal: The Cookbook...
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
The German Cookbook
Located in New York, NY
The only comprehensive collection of German recipes - from authentic traditional dishes to contemporary cuisine Germany is made up of a series of distinct regional culinary cultures....
Paper
Vegan The Cookbook
Located in New York, NY
"The definitive and most comprehensive cookbook of traditional and authentic home cooking vegan dishes from 150 countries around the world."—Vegan Magazine With nearly 500 vegetable-driven recipes, Vegan: The Cookbook...
Paper
Turkish Cookbook
Located in New York, NY
550 Recipes of hearty, healthy Turkish cuisine, from the leading authority on Turkey's unique food traditions, Musa Dagdeviren, as featured in the Netflix documentary series chef's t...
Paper
The Jewish Cookbook
Located in New York, NY
A rich trove of contemporary global Jewish cuisine, featuring hundreds of stories and recipes for home cooks everywhere The Jewish Cookbook is an inspiring celebration of the divers...
Paper
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H 6.5 in W 10.5 in D 2.5 in
Willem de Kooning Untitled 1972 Signed Abstract Cast Pewter Sculpture 38/100
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An expressive abstract cast pewter sculpture by Willem de Kooning. Untitled, published in 1972. Signed “W de K” with an annotation of 38/100. Published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles. Maker’s mark next to artist’s signature. De Kooning became interested in sculpture in 1969 when he met sculptor Herzl Emanuel in Rome and he started to make 3-dimensional work in Emanuel’s foundry. Henry Moore encouraged him to keep expanding his technique and enlarge the small sculptures. Gemini G.E.L. helped Willem de Kooning execute the project, making a successful collaboration. De Koonings sculptures...
Pewter
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H 28 in W 24.5 in D 1.5 in
Willem De Kooning Complete Set of 17 Lithographs Each Signed and Numbered 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Seventeen Lithographs for Frank O'Hara, New York, Limited Editions Club, 1988 the complete set of 17 signed and numbered lithographs in colors by Willem De Kooning, title page, and justification, on Chine appliqué, numbered 51 of 60 (there were also 12 with opposite facing text, and 550 bound copies with the lithographs appliquéd to the text pages), all with full margins and beautifully framed. Comes with original black cloth-covered portfolio with black leather label and gilt stamped title (very minor wear) and original purchase paperwork from Baby Jane...
Wood, Paper
Willem de Kooning Lithograph "Woman on Clearwater Beach"
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Dallas, TX
Willem de Kooning "Woman on Clearwater Beach" lithograph, 1970. Signed and dated lower right and numbered lower left with J. Green blind stamp lower ...
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H 31.88 in W 43.38 in D 1.5 in
Untitled Silkscreen by Abstract Expressionist Artist Willem de Kooning
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Stamford, CT
Untitled silkscreen by Dutch American abstract expressionist artist Willem de Kooning (1904-1997). Signed and numbered 42/75.