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 MOMA Museum New York, Willem de Kooning, 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
Warhol New York Times Magazine 1969 (Warhol New York School)
By Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning, Ellsworth Kelly, Robert Motherwell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Presented here is the rare iconic Warhol New York Times Magazine 1969: The New York Times Magazine, October 12, 1969 edition famously entitled “Four Leading Artists of The New York S...
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
Unavailable|$360
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
The Spanish Mediterranean Islands Cookbook
Located in New York, NY
Explore the diverse cuisine of Spain’s Balearic Islands – Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera – through 155 authentic home cooking recipes. Located off the Spanish Mediterranea...
Paper
Industrial Aluminum Airplane Step Stool, New York Airways
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Industrial, aluminum, airplane step stool features the stamp New York Airways, (1949-1968) on one side, a perforated top and rubber glides with all original, work-worn patina. It's a...
Aluminum
New York Interiors, Signature Edition
Located in New York, NY
Signed by Simon Upton Edited by Karen Howes Foreword by Rupert Thomas A striking visual homage by leading interiors photographer Simon Upton In his first book, renowned interiors photographer Simon Upton turns his camera on one of his most-loved destinations in this personal exploration of fashionable homes in New York City. Urbane and characterful, Simon Upton's New York Interiors unveils the photographer's favorite interior projects from the city, among them the homes of Aerin Lauder, Hamish Bowles, Stephen Sills...
Paper
Goodbye Picasso Book, First Edition, New York, 1974
Located in New York, NY
A First Edition 'Goodbye Picasso' coffee table or library book, by author David Douglas Duncan, 1974, New York. An amazing book covering an intimate look at the relationship between ...
Linen, Paper
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
Anatomical Plaque by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand painted, plaster, anatomical plate by New York Scientific Supply Co. depicting the musculature and circulatory systems of the face and head on a wood plaque.
Wood, Plaster
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
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
Sold
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
Sold
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 ...
Sold
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.