Skip to main content

Al Held Art

American, 1928-2005
Alvin Jacob Held, (1928-2005) Al Held earned his slot in the annals of American contemporary art with his bold, geometric canvases that took abstraction to another level. His free-floating, interlocked cubes, and planes invited the viewer into a vertigo-inducing landscape that seemed to stretch on into infinity. "Immense architectural structures curve and slice through these complex paintings, often enmeshing themselves in cellular structures," noted the Times of London. "Viewers felt that they were exploring some mysterious universe, and Held never lost his passionate belief in abstract painting's ability to create a sublime new world." Held grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and as a teenager, missed so many days of high school that it was suggested he consider leaving altogether. He eventually earned a night-school diploma, and spent two years in the U.S. Navy. Back in New York City, he enrolled in classes at the Art Students League, and went on to study at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris in the early 1950s. The first solo exhibition of his work was staged there, in 1952 at the Galerie Huit. Held's abstract work took on a more orderly, formal tone, aided by a switch from oil to acrylic paints in 1959, and he had his first solo show in New York City that same year at the Poindexter Gallery. "Finessing the gap between Minimalism and Color Field painting," wrote New York Times journalist Ken Johnson of the next decade of Held's career, "he produced smooth, simplified works based on enlarged letters of the alphabet. And in the late '60s and '70s he made complex black-and-white pictures of sharply outlined cubes, pyramids, and other geometric shapes floating in illusory spaces of indeterminate depth." Some of Held's best-known works are those floating black and white cubes, a series he began in 1967. One of the largest, which stretches more than 90 feet in length, was installed at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York. In the late 1970s, in an abrupt shift, he began using color again, and the geometric shapes became so precise that they were sometimes mistaken for computer-generated art. Held considered his images not unlike those of religious art, once telling an interviewer that "historically, the priests and wise men believed that it was the artist's job to make images of heaven and hell believable, even though nobody had experienced these places," he said, according to his Chicago Tribune obituary. Held spent 20 years teaching at Yale University's. Represented by the Robert Miller Gallery in New York City, which staged what would be his last exhibition of new work in 2003, Held's works were avidly sought by contemporary-art enthusiasts around the world, and were part of the permanent collections of many institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. — Carol Brennan
(Biography provided by Judy Ferrara Gallery)
to
15
3
5
5
15
2
1
2
1
9
6
Overall Height
to
Overall Width
to
10
4
6
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
16
1
5
1
2
18
6,847
3,168
2,517
1,217
5
4
3
3
3
Artist: Al Held
RUSSELL'S WAY
By Al Held
Located in Three Oaks, MI
In excellent condition from an edition of 50, this piece is beautifully framed in museum-quality materials. Al Held is best remembered for his large-scale paintings of bright, hard-e...
Category

1880s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Etching, Aquatint

Scholes I, Large Framed Geometric Abstract by Al Held
By Al Held
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Al Held, American (1928 - 2005) Title: Scholes I Year: 1991 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 80 Image Size: 23 x 29 inches Size: 29 x 34 in. (73.66 ...
Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

S.F.
By Al Held
Located in Henderson, NV
Al Held is know for his volumetric geometric compositions.
Category

1980s Al Held Art

Materials

Etching

Untitled "A"
By Al Held
Located in London, GB
Price: $75,000 (+5% import VAT) Provenance: Robert Miller Gallery, New York Private collection, New York (acquired from the above in 1980) Exhibited: Montpellier, Musee Fabre, "...
Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Acrylic

Untitled "D"
By Al Held
Located in London, GB
Signed and dated 'Al Held 61' (lower right) Price: $75,000 (+5% import VAT) Provenance: Robert Miller Gallery, New York (stock no.1179359 HELD-0075) Private collection, New York Private collection, New York (acquired from the above in 2012) Exhibited: New York, Queens Museum; Norfolk, Virginia, Chrysler Museum; Maine, Portland Museum of Art; Miami Beach, Bass Museum of Art; Washington, D.C., The Phillips Collection...
Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Acrylic

Scholes II, Screenprint by Al Held
By Al Held
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Al Held, American (1928 - 2005) Title: Scholes II Year: 1991 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 80 Image Size: 23 x 29 inches Size: 29 x 34 in. ...
Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Camerata XII
By Al Held
Located in Tbilisi, GE
Signed and dated - Watercolour on paper Unique Signed
Category

20th Century Contemporary Al Held Art

Materials

Watercolor

Pachinko
By Al Held
Located in Tbilisi, GE
Color woodcut - Published by Crown Point Press Edition of 125 Signed
Category

20th Century Contemporary Al Held Art

Materials

Other Medium

Pradorama
By Al Held
Located in Tbilisi, GE
Signed Edition of 75
Category

20th Century Contemporary Al Held Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled
By Al Held
Located in New York, NY
AL HELD Untitled, 1950 - 1952 Oil on canvas 20 x 24 inches Signed verso
Category

1950s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Out and In, by Al Held
By Al Held
Located in New York, NY
Big, bold and dynamic, this richly colored aquatint, created by Al Held in 1987 is masterful.  Out and In, measuring 40 ½ x 52 ½ in. (102.9 x 133.4 cm), unframed, is hand-signed by t...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Aquatint

60 S-2 AP
By Al Held
Located in New York, NY
AL HELD 60 S-2 AP, 1964-1965 Ink and acrylic on paper mounted on board 15 x 39-7/8 inches
Category

1960s Abstract Al Held Art

Materials

Ink, Acrylic, Archival Paper

Kyoto-wa
By Al Held
Located in New York, NY
One of the most recognizable and collectible images by Al Held, Kyoto-wa was created by the artist as an original woodcut with lithography in 1985. Hand-signed in pencil, dated and ...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Lithograph, Woodcut

Scholes I
By Al Held
Located in New York, NY
This screenprint was created by the artist in 1991. Signed in pencil and numbered from the edition of 80 measuring 29 x 34 in. (73.7 x 86.4 cm.). Published by The Metropolitan Museu...
Category

20th Century Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Scholes II
By Al Held
Located in New York, NY
This screenprint was created by the artist in 1991. Signed in pencil and numbered from the edition of 80 measuring 29 x 34 in. (73.7 x 86.4 cm.). Published by The Metropolitan Museu...
Category

20th Century Contemporary Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

PI-5
By Al Held
Located in New York, NY
Ink on paper
Category

1960s Al Held Art

Materials

Paper, Ink

PI 49
By Al Held
Located in New York, NY
Signed and dated verso
Category

1960s Al Held Art

Pachinko
By Al Held
Located in San Francisco, CA
Category

Al Held Art

Related Items
Black Unicorn
By Mark Wilson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The artist constructs his spirit animal through mixed media. 48" x 60" Spray Paint, Oil, Construction Paper, Acrylic, Pastel, Marker
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Charcoal, Oil Crayon, Oil Pastel, Oil, Spray Paint, Acrylic

Black Unicorn
Free Shipping
H 60 in W 48 in
Jean Miotte - Abstract Composition - Original Signed Lithograph
By Jean Miotte
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Jean Miotte - Rare Original Signed Lithograph Title: Abstract Composition Dimensions: 76 x 56 cm Edition: 64/99 Signed and Numbered in pencil Jean Miotte, 1926 - 2016 Miotte came o...
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Aquatint

Zao Wou-ki - Moments - Original Aquatint with Hand-Signed Justification
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Zao Wou-ki - Moments - Original Aquatint Edition of 130 Dimensions: 34.2 x 30.5 cm Vellum paper BFK Rives 1996 Bibliography: Jørgen Ågerup, Zao Wou-Ki: The Graphic Work, A Catalogue ...
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Aquatint

Bruno Munari (1907 – 1998 ) – hand-signed serigraphy – 1983
By Bruno Munari
Located in Varese, IT
Serigraphy on Fabriano paper, edited in 1983 limited edition, numbered in lower left corner as pda ( artist proof ) signed in pencil by artist paper size: 68 x 68 cm excellent condit...
Category

1980s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Paper, Lithograph, Screen

"In A Mood" Large Scale Acrylic, Oil Pastels, and Pencils Abstract 72"x96"
By Karina Gentinetta
Located in New York, NY
"In A Mood" 2023, 72" H x 96" W. Large scale abstract painting consisting of acrylic, pencils, and oil pastels on canvas by Argentine-born artist Karina Gentinetta (featured in Elle ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Carbon Pencil, Color Pencil, Watercolor

"Masquerade" Large Scale Acrylic, Oil Pastels, Pencils Abstract in Pinks 48x60
By Karina Gentinetta
Located in New York, NY
"Masquerade" 2024, 48" H x 60" W. Large-scale, multi-colored abstract painting consisting of acrylic, house paint, pencils, and oil pastels on canvas by Argentine-born artist Karina ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Oil Pastel, House Paint, Acrylic, Carbon Pencil, Color Pencil

Reflections V
By Louise Nevelson
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Caviar20 is excited to be offering this evocative print by the inimitable Louise Nevelson - one of the most revered and unique sculptors of the 20th century. Nevelson is renowned for her mysterious and complex artworks. She was an active printmaker, experimenting with different techniques and approaches while working with some of the best print-making studios in the United States. Nevelson, whether working in sculpture or in two dimensions typically had a strict palette; almost exclusively black. While there are iconic works in white, gold, or raw wood, Nevelson almost entirely avoids color. However, during the last decade of her life, her palette expands notably with her printmaking. "Reflections V" is an example from her 1983 portfolio, "Reflections I-V" consisting of six large-scale prints. These prints contain signature elements found throughout Nevelson's prints; ripped or collage-like forms as well as the use of fabric, lace, and toile in the printing process. However one of the strongest characteristics of the "Reflections" series is her new uninhibited use of color. Here it is used to maximum effect. This work features unexpected elements of fluorescent turquoise and fuschia that punctuate her signature layered collage-like composition. Nevelson's late prints are truly some of her best. Over the last few years, there has been tremendous momentum in both interest and appreciation of Nevelson's work. In May of 2021, a new auction record of $1.35 million was established for one of Nevelson's signature white construction sculptures...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Reflections II
By Louise Nevelson
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Caviar20 is excited to be offering this evocative print by the inimitable Louise Nevelson - one of the most revered and unique sculptors of the 20th century. Nevelson is renowned for her mysterious and complex artworks. She was an active printmaker, experimenting with different techniques and approaches while working with some of the best print-making studios in the United States. Nevelson, whether working in sculpture or in two dimensions typically had a strict palette; almost exclusively black. While there are iconic works in white, gold, or raw wood, Nevelson almost entirely avoids color. However during the last decade of her life, her palette expands notably with her printmaking. "Reflections II" is an example from her 1983 portfolio, "Reflections I-V" consisting of six large-scale prints. These prints contains signature elements found throughout Nevelson's prints; ripped or collage-like forms as well as the use of fabric, lace and toile in the printing process. However one of the strongest characteristics of the "Reflections" series is her new uninhibited use of color. Here it is used to maximum effect. This work features unexpected elements of tangerine, translucent Prussian blue, and mint green that punctuate her signature layered collage-like composition. Nevelson's late prints are truly some of her best. Over the last few years, there has been tremendous momentum in both interest and appreciation of Nevelson's work. In May of 2021, a new auction record of $1.35 million was established for one of Nevelson's signature white construction sculptures...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Barcelona III (from Barcelona Suite)
By Joan Miró
Located in Kansas City, MO
Joan Miro Barcelona III (from Barcelona Suite) Etching and Aquatint and Carborundum in Colors on Guarro Wove paper Year: 1972 Edition: 50 Signed and ...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Handmade Paper, Etching, Aquatint

Reflections III
By Louise Nevelson
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Caviar20 is excited to be offering this evocative print by the inimitable Louise Nevelson - one of the most revered and unique sculptors of the 20th century. Nevelson is renowned for her mysterious and complex artworks. She was an active printmaker, experimenting with different techniques and approaches while working with some of the best print-making studios in the United States. Nevelson, whether working in sculpture or in two dimensions typically had a strict palette; almost exclusively black. While there are iconic works in white, gold, or raw wood, Nevelson almost entirely avoids color. However, during the last decade of her life, her palette expanded notably with her printmaking. "Reflections III" is an example from her 1983 portfolio, "Reflections I-V" consisting of six large-scale prints. These prints contain signature elements found throughout Nevelson's prints; ripped or collage-like forms as well as the use of fabric, lace, and toile in the printing process. However one of the strongest characteristics of the "Reflections" series is her new uninhibited use of color. Here it is used to maximum effect. This work features unexpected elements of fuchsia, crimson, and Prussian blue that punctuate her signature layered collage-like composition. Nevelson's late prints are truly some of her best. Over the last few years, there has been tremendous momentum in both interest and appreciation of Nevelson's work. In May of 2021, a new auction record of $1.35 million was established for one of Nevelson's signature white construction sculptures...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Circus Wagon
By Louise Nevelson
Located in New York, NY
Louise Nevelson created the etching and aquatint entitled “CIRCUS WAGON” in 1953. This scarce EARLY impression was printed in an edition of 20. The imag...
Category

1950s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Circus Wagon
Circus Wagon
H 24.25 in W 27.13 in D 0.13 in
Vintage Abstract Series #39 Fireworks
By Katherine Chang Liu
Located in Soquel, CA
Period mixed media print and painting by California artist Katherine Chang Liu (American, 20th-century). Signed "Fireworks Series #39" Katherine Chang Liu '87. Presented with a white...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Etching, Ink, Oil, Archival Paper

Previously Available Items
Scholes I
By Al Held
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Al Held, American (1928 - 2005) Title: Scholes I Year: 1991 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 80 Image Size: 23 x 29 inches Size: 29 x 34 in. (73.66 ...
Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Scholes I
Scholes I
H 40 in W 45.5 in
Russell's Way
By Al Held
Located in New York, NY
Al Held Russell's Way, 1989 color aquatint on Somerset paper 35.25h x 44.50w in
Category

1980s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Etching

Russell's Way
Russell's Way
H 35.25 in W 44.5 in
Liv, Large Colorful Geometric Abstract by Al Held
By Al Held
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Al Held, American (1928 - 2005) Title: Liv Year: 1992 Medium: Etching with aquatint on paper, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 16/30 Image Size: 35.5 x 44.5 inches Size...
Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Roberta's Trip G
By Al Held
Located in New York, NY
Part of the series "Roberta's Trip" which was featured in "Plane: The Essential of Painting" at MoMA PS1
Category

1980s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Acrylic

Roberta's Trip G
H 30.5 in W 44.75 in
Scholes, 1
By Al Held
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist lower right Edition: 80 (3/80) Published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Mezzanine Gallery, New York, with their blindstamp lower...
Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Scholes II
By Al Held
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist lower right Edition: 80 (3/80) Published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Mezzanine Gallery, New York, with their blindstamp lower...
Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Screen

Scholes II
H 29 in W 34 in D 2 in
Stone Ridge #1
By Al Held
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Al Held Title: Stone Ridge #1 Year: 1983 Medium: Color etching Edition number 53/65 numbered on verso. Signed on verso "Al Held 83 53/65 AH.106.A" ...
Category

1980s Abstract Al Held Art

Materials

Etching

Stone Ridge #1
Stone Ridge #1
H 32 in W 45 in D 1 in
Magenta
By Al Held
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Al Held Title: Magenta Year: 1990 Medium: Color aquatint with spit bite aquatint Edition: 37/50 Signed, dated, and numbered verso Dimension: image: 35.5"h x 44.75"w, sheet: 4...
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Aquatint

Magenta
Magenta
H 48 in W 61 in D 3 in
Indigo
By Al Held
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Al Held (American, 1928-2005) Title: "Indigo" Year: 1990 Medium: Color aquatint with spit bite aquatint Signed, dated, and numbered verso Edition 32/50 Dimensions: image: 35....
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Al Held Art

Materials

Aquatint

Indigo
Indigo
H 48 in W 61 in D 3 in
Stone Ridge #4
By Al Held
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Al Held Title: Stone Ridge #4 Year: 1983 Medium: Color etching Edition number 53/65 numbered on verso. Signed on verso "Al Held 83 53/65 AH.106.A" ...
Category

1980s Abstract Al Held Art

Materials

Etching

Stone Ridge #4
Stone Ridge #4
H 32 in W 45 in D 1 in
Liv
By Al Held
Located in New York, NY
1992, color hardground etching with aquatint, 40 1/2 x 54 inches (102.9 x 137.2 cm), edition of 30, signed, numbered, and dated on reverse
Category

1990s Abstract Geometric Al Held Art

Materials

Aquatint, Etching

Liv
H 40.5 in W 54 in
Fly Away
By Al Held
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A geometric abstract spit-bite aquatint executed in bright lime green, orange, red, yellow and yellow ochre by Post War artist Al Held. From the unnumbered edition of 50. Provena...
Category

1990s Post-War Al Held Art

Materials

Aquatint

Fly Away
H 31.75 in W 39.5 in

Al Held art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Al Held art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of orange, blue, red and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Al Held in paint, screen print, acrylic paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Al Held art, so small editions measuring 22 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Theodoros Stamos, Peter Voulkos, and Friedel Dzubas. Al Held art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,000 and tops out at $100,000, while the average work can sell for $5,565.

Recently Viewed

View All