Roberto Matta
  • Biography
  • Artworks
  • Studio
  • Exhibitions
  • Movements

Roberto Matta

Chile • 1911 - 2002  74 followers

The purpose of the artist is not to reproduce the visible, but to make visible what is not.

Biography

Roberto Matta (1911–2002) remains a key figure in 20th-century art, celebrated for his visionary contributions to Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. His work continues to captivate collectors and art lovers worldwide, with significant recent exhibitions and strong auction results reinforcing his place in the contemporary art market. In 2025, the centennial of Matta's birth is commemorated with major retrospectives, including Roberto Matta 1911–2002 at Ca' Pesaro in Venice, Italy, a highly anticipated exhibition running from October 2024 to March 2025. This retrospective highlights Matta's unique exploration of cosmic and subconscious themes, showcasing over 20 works that illustrate his intellectual and artistic journey, from his early surrealist experiments to his later abstract works.

Matta's History is Round Like the Earth exhibition at the Mitterrand Gallery in Paris (October–December 2024) also drew attention, with approximately 30 works from across his career on display. These exhibitions emphasize the political, cultural, and social issues Matta engaged with throughout his life, reflected in his dynamic cosmic landscapes and charged imagery. His works, particularly those from the 1940s and 1950s, are sought after for their powerful visual language that combines human and cosmic forces.

In the art market, Matta's pieces continue to perform strongly. His 1959 etching Paroles Peintes sold at Christie's in November 2024, further cementing his position as a prized artist for collectors. His works remain highly sought after, with his paintings and works on paper regularly featured in major art auctions and galleries worldwide. Collectors and investors continue to view Matta's works as valuable assets, with pieces held in prestigious collections such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Tate Modern in London.

Known for his exploration of the intersection between human consciousness and cosmic energy, Matta's works remain an important reference point for those interested in the fusion of surrealism, abstract expressionism, and political art. His ability to create visionary landscapes that speak to both personal and universal themes makes his art highly collectible. As his centennial year unfolds, Roberto Matta's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and collectors, ensuring his place as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.

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Painting, Les travailleurs de la mère, Roberto Matta

Les travailleurs de la mère

Roberto Matta

Painting - 102 x 98 x 2 cm Painting - 40.2 x 38.6 x 0.8 inch

€80,000

Fine Art Drawings, Dessin 1, Roberto Matta

Dessin 1

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 50 x 65 cm Fine Art Drawings - 19.7 x 25.6 inch

€8,000

Sculpture, Bag with Wings, Roberto Matta

Bag with Wings

Roberto Matta

Sculpture - 94 x 137 x 64 cm Sculpture - 37 x 53.9 x 25.2 inch

€29,000

Print, Grécité, Roberto Matta

Grécité

Roberto Matta

Print - 21 x 11.8 x 0.1 cm Print - 8.3 x 4.6 x 0 inch

€500

Print, Le Enfe, Roberto Matta

Le Enfe

Roberto Matta

Print - 63 x 90 x 0.2 cm Print - 24.8 x 35.4 x 0.1 inch

€1,200

Print, Les mademoiselles, Roberto Matta

Les mademoiselles

Roberto Matta

Print - 48 x 65.5 x 0.2 cm Print - 18.9 x 25.8 x 0.1 inch

€1,200

Fine Art Drawings, Foot Musik, Roberto Matta

Foot Musik

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 76 x 78 cm Fine Art Drawings - 29.9 x 30.7 inch

€9,000

Print, Untitled, Roberto Matta

Untitled

Roberto Matta

Print - 43.5 x 31.5 x 0.2 cm Print - 17.1 x 12.4 x 0.1 inch

€1,300

Print, Espace de l'Espece, Roberto Matta

Espace de l'Espece

Roberto Matta

Print - 55.9 x 76.2 x 0.3 cm Print - 22 x 30 x 0.1 inch

€1,458

Print, Hom'mere IV - 1, Roberto Matta

Hom'mere IV - 1

Roberto Matta

Print - 66 x 50.8 cm Print - 26 x 20 inch

€2,279

Print, L’eau est Mana, Roberto Matta

L’eau est Mana

Roberto Matta

Print - 66 x 101.6 cm Print - 26 x 40 inch

€1,367

Print, Va-Riante, Roberto Matta

Va-Riante

Roberto Matta

Print - 67.3 x 52.1 cm Print - 26.5 x 20.5 inch

€2,279

Print, Les Venusiennes, Roberto Matta

Les Venusiennes

Roberto Matta

Print - 47 x 65 x 0.5 cm Print - 18.5 x 25.6 x 0.2 inch

€700

Print, La Dulce Aqua Vita, Roberto Matta

La Dulce Aqua Vita

Roberto Matta

Print - 119.38 x 104.14 x 2.54 cm Print - 47 x 41 x 1 inch

€9,980

Print, Cosmicstrip III, Roberto Matta

Cosmicstrip III

Roberto Matta

Print - 37.5 x 48.9 x 0.3 cm Print - 14.75 x 19.25 x 0.1 inch

€2,279

Print, Cosmicstrip I, Roberto Matta

Cosmicstrip I

Roberto Matta

Print - 37.5 x 48.9 x 0.3 cm Print - 14.75 x 19.25 x 0.1 inch

€2,279

Print, Comique Trippe XVI, Roberto Matta

Comique Trippe XVI

Roberto Matta

Print - 41.3 x 52.1 x 0.3 cm Print - 16.25 x 20.5 x 0.1 inch

€2,279

Print, Cosmicstrip IV, Roberto Matta

Cosmicstrip IV

Roberto Matta

Print - 37.5 x 48.9 x 0.3 cm Print - 14.75 x 19.25 x 0.1 inch

€2,279

Print, Hom'mere III - L'Ergonaute, Roberto Matta

Hom'mere III - L'Ergonaute

Roberto Matta

Print - 67 x 51 x 0.1 cm Print - 26.4 x 20.1 x 0 inch

€1,800

Print, Untitled, Roberto Matta

Untitled

Roberto Matta

Print - 20 x 11 cm Print - 7.9 x 4.3 inch

€1,100

Print, Château situationniste, Roberto Matta

Château situationniste

Roberto Matta

Print - 54 x 75 cm Print - 21.3 x 29.5 inch

€1,200

Print, Passage et Sage du Couple, Roberto Matta

Passage et Sage du Couple

Roberto Matta

Print - 34 x 44 cm Print - 13.4 x 17.3 inch

€2,500

Print, Had a Great Fall, Roberto Matta

Had a Great Fall

Roberto Matta

Print - 50 x 66 x 0.2 cm Print - 19.7 x 26 x 0.1 inch

€1,200

Print, La Dulce Aqua Vita, Roberto Matta

La Dulce Aqua Vita

Roberto Matta

Print - 121.9 x 104.1 x 0.3 cm Print - 48 x 41 x 0.1 inch

€9,536

Fine Art Drawings, Composition, Roberto Matta

Composition

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 50 x 65 x 0.1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 19.7 x 25.6 x 0 inch

€5,500

Fine Art Drawings, Dessin 1, Roberto Matta

Dessin 1

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 50 x 65 cm Fine Art Drawings - 19.7 x 25.6 inch

€8,000

Fine Art Drawings, L’œil du chant, Roberto Matta

L’œil du chant

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 65 x 50 x 0.2 cm Fine Art Drawings - 25.6 x 19.7 x 0.1 inch

€16,000

Print, Sans Titre, Roberto Matta

Sans Titre

Roberto Matta

Print - 55.9 x 75.6 cm Print - 22 x 29.75 inch

€6,836

Print, The Eld of the World, Roberto Matta

The Eld of the World

Roberto Matta

Print - 121.9 x 104.1 cm Print - 48 x 41 inch

€16,406

Fine Art Drawings, Foot Musik, Roberto Matta

Foot Musik

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 50 x 50 cm Fine Art Drawings - 19.7 x 19.7 inch

€9,000

Print, 8 a.m., Roberto Matta

8 a.m.

Roberto Matta

Print - 55.9 x 73.7 cm Print - 22 x 29 inch

€2,734

Fine Art Drawings, Untitled, Roberto Matta

Untitled

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 12.2 x 18.5 x 0.2 cm Fine Art Drawings - 4.8 x 7.3 x 0.1 inch

€5,900

Print, Untitled, Roberto Matta

Untitled

Roberto Matta

Print - 20 x 11 cm Print - 7.9 x 4.3 inch

€1,100

Print, Untitled (1), Roberto Matta

Untitled (1)

Roberto Matta

Print - 16.5 x 8.5 x 2 cm Print - 6.5 x 3.3 x 0.8 inch

€1,800

Print, Untitled, Roberto Matta

Untitled

Roberto Matta

Print - 17 x 8.5 x 2 cm Print - 6.7 x 3.3 x 0.8 inch

€1,800

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What is Roberto Matta known for?

Roberto Matta is known for his surrealist paintings that explore subconscious landscapes and cosmic visions. His work bridges European Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, influencing postwar art movements.

What is the current market value of Matta's paintings?

The current market value of Matta's paintings typically ranges from $100,000 to over $2 million, depending on size, period, and provenance. Major artworks from the 1940s and 1950s often achieve the highest prices at auction.

Did Roberto Matta win any awards?

Roberto Matta received the Praemium Imperiale for Painting in 1990, one of the most prestigious international art awards. He was also honored with the National Prize for Plastic Arts in Chile in 1990.

Was Matta involved in any political movements?

Roberto Matta was involved with leftist political movements, notably supporting the Chilean socialist cause and Salvador Allende. His art often reflected his political engagement, addressing themes of oppression and social change.