Roberto Matta
  • Biography
  • Artworks
  • Studio
  • 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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Print, F.S.A.V., Roberto Matta

F.S.A.V.

Roberto Matta

Print - 23 x 19 x 0.1 cm Print - 9.1 x 7.5 x 0 inch

$1,305

Print, Nid de Noeds, Roberto Matta

Nid de Noeds

Roberto Matta

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

$2,500

Print, Così Fan Tutte, Roberto Matta

Così Fan Tutte

Roberto Matta

Print - 66.5 x 50.5 x 0.1 cm Print - 26.2 x 19.9 x 0 inch

$1,483

Print, Etoile de Jardin, Roberto Matta

Etoile de Jardin

Roberto Matta

Print - 99.1 x 99.1 cm Print - 39 x 39 inch

$28,000

Print, La Araucana, Roberto Matta

La Araucana

Roberto Matta

Print - 50 x 69.5 x 0.1 cm Print - 19.7 x 27.4 x 0 inch

Sold

Print, Droites Liberees XIV, Roberto Matta

Droites Liberees XIV

Roberto Matta

Print - 43.2 x 31.8 x 0.3 cm Print - 17 x 12.5 x 0.1 inch

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Print, I am a gen..., Roberto Matta

I am a gen...

Roberto Matta

Print - 37.5 x 25 cm Print - 14.8 x 9.8 inch

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Print, Electra Funebra Domestica, Roberto Matta

Electra Funebra Domestica

Roberto Matta

Print - 53.3 x 76.2 x 0.3 cm Print - 21 x 30 x 0.1 inch

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Print, Droites Liberees II, Roberto Matta

Droites Liberees II

Roberto Matta

Print - 27.9 x 17.8 x 0.3 cm Print - 11 x 7 x 0.1 inch

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Print, Comique Trippe VII, Roberto Matta

Comique Trippe VII

Roberto Matta

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

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Print, Droites Liberees V, Roberto Matta

Droites Liberees V

Roberto Matta

Print - 22.2 x 15.2 x 0.3 cm Print - 8.75 x 6 x 0.1 inch

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Print, Landru, Roberto Matta

Landru

Roberto Matta

Print - 38.1 x 49.5 cm Print - 15 x 19.5 inch

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Print, Onze Formes du Doute, Roberto Matta

Onze Formes du Doute

Roberto Matta

Print - 88.9 x 66 cm Print - 35 x 26 inch

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Print, Les Musiciens, Roberto Matta

Les Musiciens

Roberto Matta

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

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Print, L'Oeuf de Verbe II, Roberto Matta

L'Oeuf de Verbe II

Roberto Matta

Print - 96.5 x 96.5 cm Print - 38 x 38 inch

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Print, Je fixe des Vertiges, Roberto Matta

Je fixe des Vertiges

Roberto Matta

Print - 66 x 52.1 x 0.3 cm Print - 26 x 20.5 x 0.1 inch

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Fine Art Drawings, Untitled, Roberto Matta

Untitled

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 10.5 x 21 x 2 cm Fine Art Drawings - 4.1 x 8.3 x 0.8 inch

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Print, Redness of Blue, Roberto Matta

Redness of Blue

Roberto Matta

Print - 116.8 x 96.5 x 0.3 cm Print - 46 x 38 x 0.1 inch

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Print, New-View, Roberto Matta

New-View

Roberto Matta

Print - 116.8 x 96.5 x 0.3 cm Print - 46 x 38 x 0.1 inch

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Print, Melodia-Melodio, Roberto Matta

Melodia-Melodio

Roberto Matta

Print - 116.8 x 96.5 cm Print - 46 x 38 inch

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Print, New-View, Roberto Matta

New-View

Roberto Matta

Print - 116.8 x 96.5 cm Print - 46 x 38 inch

Sold

Print, Redness of Blue, Roberto Matta

Redness of Blue

Roberto Matta

Print - 116.8 x 96.5 cm Print - 46 x 38 inch

Sold

Print, Perser l’Invisible, Roberto Matta

Perser l’Invisible

Roberto Matta

Print - 99.1 x 99.1 cm Print - 39 x 39 inch

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Print, Così Fan Tutte, Roberto Matta

Così Fan Tutte

Roberto Matta

Print - 65.5 x 50 x 0.3 cm Print - 25.8 x 19.7 x 0.1 inch

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Print, Così Fan Tutte, Roberto Matta

Così Fan Tutte

Roberto Matta

Print - 66.5 x 50 x 0.2 cm Print - 26.2 x 19.7 x 0.1 inch

Sold

Print, Cosi fan tutte, Roberto Matta

Cosi fan tutte

Roberto Matta

Print - 65.5 x 49 x 0.2 cm Print - 25.8 x 19.3 x 0.1 inch

Sold

Fine Art Drawings, Sans titre, Roberto Matta

Sans titre

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 64 x 38.5 cm Fine Art Drawings - 25.2 x 15.2 inch

Sold

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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.