Robert Motherwell Original Vintage California American Avant-Garde Contemporary Modern Abstract Surrealist Dada Art Mixed Media Oil Painting
Original, vintage early surrealist painting, by American Abstract Expressionist painter, Robert Motherwell, (1915-1991).
Robert Motherwell (January 24, 1915 – July 16, 1991) was an influential American abstract expressionist painter and printmaker, known for his intellectual approach to art. He was a prominent member of the New York School, alongside artists like Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko.
Early Life and Education Motherwell was born in Aberdeen, Washington, and later moved with his family to San Francisco.
He briefly studied painting at the California School of Fine Arts and earned a BA in philosophy from Stanford University. His exposure to modernist literature at Stanford fueled his passion for themes that would later permeate his art. After a formative European tour, he pursued further studies at Harvard, where he earned a Ph.D. in philosophy, before finally dedicating himself to painting under the mentorship of Meyer Schapiro at Columbia University.
Artistic Career and Influence Motherwell's artistic breakthrough came in New York, where he was introduced to the Surrealists and their technique of automatism. His time in Mexico with Roberto Matta significantly influenced his early works, leading to his first major pieces like "The Little Spanish Prison" and "Pancho Villa, Dead and Alive."
He played a crucial role in founding the Abstract Expressionist movement, advocating for the use of automatism to unleash American artists' creativity.
Professional Achievements Motherwell held his first solo exhibition at Peggy Guggenheim's "Art of This Century" gallery in 1944, and by the mid-1940s, he had become a leading figure in American avant-garde art. He taught at several institutions, including Hunter College and Black Mountain College, influencing a new generation of artists.
He was an editor and contributor to significant art publications, and his anthology "The Dada Painters and Poets" remains a critical work in understanding modern art movements.
Personal Life and Later Years Motherwell was married four times, including to fellow abstract painter Helen Frankenthaler. His later years saw numerous retrospective exhibitions in major museums worldwide.
Motherwell passed away in Provincetown, Massachusetts, leaving behind a substantial legacy in the art world. His work is celebrated for its intellectual depth and emotional resonance, and he is remembered as one of the pivotal figures of Abstract Expressionism.
Legacy The Dedalus Foundation, established by Motherwell, continues to promote public understanding of modern art. His contributions to art and culture are commemorated through numerous exhibitions and collections in major institutions worldwide.
Comparable works by Robert Motherwell/Online References:
https://nga.gov.au/motherwell/images/120754_sml.jpg
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=0ahUKEwid_ti0yqTZAhVDzWMKHUDrCZ4QjBwIBA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fs-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2Fd0%2F5d%2F34%2Fd05d3429dbd3cd33376c011ac980272c.jpg&psig=AOvVaw1zVdpD_N0hKkMA-GSxOfGP&ust=1518669246305139
http://cdn.artobserved.com/2016/01/Robert-Motherwell-Elegy-Study-XIII-1976-1979-via-Art-Observed.png
https://a.1stdibscdn.com/archivesE/upload/a_2622/a_24230631514995594758/RM12819_master.jpg?width=768
Robert Motherwell
(1915-1991)
American Abstract Expressionist
Oil, watercolor, ink, and gouache mixed media, on paper
Signed lower right, and dated 53. (A very early work, by this artist, only a couple of years from working with the surrealist, Roberto Matta.)
The painting alone measures approximately 8.2" X 16.5", plus the frame
Painting is currently housed in the original custom gallery vintage wood frame, with double matting
The painting is in excellent original condition. There is a small, very light wrinkle in the paper, upper right corner. Painting may need to be professionally set, back into frame. Please review images.
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