Robert Motherwell
  • Biography
  • Artworks
  • Movements

Robert Motherwell

United States • 1915 - 1991

Every intelligent painter carries the whole culture of modern painting in his head.

Biography

Robert Motherwell (1915–1991) remains one of the most influential figures in Abstract Expressionism. His work continues to captivate art lovers and collectors worldwide, with recent record-breaking sales reaffirming his relevance in the contemporary art market. Motherwell's powerful gestural brushstrokes and intellectual approach to art make his paintings highly sought after in galleries and auctions. In 2024, his painting Apse (1980–84) achieved an impressive $825,000 at The Armory Show, highlighting the ongoing demand for his pieces in the art market.

Motherwell's art is celebrated for its emotional depth, with his iconic series Elegy to the Spanish Republic standing as one of his most profound works. His abstract compositions, often marked by bold, graphic brushstrokes, continue to define his artistic identity. In addition to his renowned paintings, Motherwell was a prolific printmaker and contributed to major art historical texts, further cementing his intellectual legacy. His connection to literature and philosophy is evident in his works, which integrate these themes alongside abstract expression.

Motherwell's recent exhibitions, such as Robert Motherwell: At Home and In the Studio at The New York Public Library, offer new insights into his creative process, featuring personal books and prints that influenced his practice. His works are regularly featured in major museums and galleries globally, ensuring his place at the forefront of the art market. Collectors continue to see his paintings as valuable investments, as Motherwell's work remains a symbol of modernist innovation.

For those looking to acquire a piece of history, Robert Motherwell's art continues to be a cornerstone of the Abstract Expressionist movement, offering a rare combination of aesthetic mastery and intellectual depth.

Read more
Print, Beau geste pour Lucrèce 4, Robert Motherwell

Beau geste pour Lucrèce 4

Robert Motherwell

Print - 56 x 38 cm Print - 22 x 15 inch

€2,800

Print, Three Poems II, Robert Motherwell

Three Poems II

Robert Motherwell

Print - 53.3 x 40.6 x 0.3 cm Print - 21 x 16 x 0.1 inch

€2,005

Print, Three Poems II, Robert Motherwell

Three Poems II

Robert Motherwell

Print - 40.6 x 53.3 x 0.3 cm Print - 16 x 21 x 0.1 inch

€1,823

Print, Three Poems XIV, Robert Motherwell

Three Poems XIV

Robert Motherwell

Print - 40.6 x 53.3 x 0.3 cm Print - 16 x 21 x 0.1 inch

€1,823

Print, Three Poems II, Robert Motherwell

Three Poems II

Robert Motherwell

Print - 53.3 x 40.6 x 0.3 cm Print - 21 x 16 x 0.1 inch

€2,005

Print, Hermitage, Robert Motherwell

Hermitage

Robert Motherwell

Print - 118.7 x 80 x 1 cm Print - 46.7 x 31.5 x 0.4 inch

€12,000

Print, Three Poems XIII, Robert Motherwell

Three Poems XIII

Robert Motherwell

Print - 53.3 x 40.6 x 0.3 cm Print - 21 x 16 x 0.1 inch

Sold

Print, Chair, Robert Motherwell

Chair

Robert Motherwell

Print - 97 x 71 x 0.1 cm Print - 38.2 x 28 x 0 inch

Sold

Print, Untitled, Robert Motherwell

Untitled

Robert Motherwell

Print - 105.4 x 74.9 x 1.3 cm Print - 41.5 x 29.5 x 0.5 inch

Sold

Print, Three Poems III, Robert Motherwell

Three Poems III

Robert Motherwell

Print - 53.3 x 40.6 x 0.3 cm Print - 21 x 16 x 0.1 inch

Sold

Print, Three Poems XV, Robert Motherwell

Three Poems XV

Robert Motherwell

Print - 53.3 x 40.6 x 0.3 cm Print - 21 x 16 x 0.1 inch

Sold

Print, Three Poems XXVI, Robert Motherwell

Three Poems XXVI

Robert Motherwell

Print - 53.3 x 40.6 x 0.3 cm Print - 21 x 16 x 0.1 inch

Sold

Print, Chair, Robert Motherwell

Chair

Robert Motherwell

Print - 97 x 71 x 0.2 cm Print - 38.2 x 28 x 0.1 inch

Sold

Print, To Arp, Robert Motherwell

To Arp

Robert Motherwell

Print - 22 x 17 x 0.2 cm Print - 8.7 x 6.7 x 0.1 inch

Sold

Print, Je t'aime, Robert Motherwell

Je t'aime

Robert Motherwell

Print - 46 x 28 x 0.1 cm Print - 18.1 x 11 x 0 inch

Sold

Print, Cultural Institutions, Robert Motherwell

Cultural Institutions

Robert Motherwell

Print - 76.2 x 57.2 cm Print - 30 x 22.5 inch

Sold

Discover our selections of works by artists

Need help finding your favorite? Consult our selection pages made for you.
Need to know more?
What was Robert Motherwell's philosophy?

Robert Motherwell believed art was a form of profound self-expression and a way to explore the subconscious. He saw abstraction as a universal language capable of conveying deep emotions and philosophical ideas.

Why is Motherwell important?

Robert Motherwell is important for his pivotal role in Abstract Expressionism, notably through his "Elegies to the Spanish Republic" series, which combined emotional depth with bold abstraction. His work bridged European modernism and American postwar art.

Why did Robert Motherwell paint the Elegy to the Spanish Republic series?

Robert Motherwell painted the Elegy to the Spanish Republic series as a tribute to the Spanish Civil War and a lament for the loss of freedom and human suffering. The series uses abstract forms to evoke themes of tragedy, memory, and political struggle.

What techniques did Robert Motherwell use?

Robert Motherwell used techniques such as automatism, collage, and gestural brushwork, often working with oil paint, acrylics, and paper. He emphasized expressive abstraction and frequently incorporated bold shapes and dynamic contrasts.