Robert Motherwell Primal Sign III Signed Etching Edition of 35, 2018
Painting : aquatint · 72.5 x 51.25 x 1 cm 28.5 x 20.2 x 0.4 inch
$4,000
4 000 $US
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About the artwork
Type
Painting : numbered and limited to 35 copies
1 copy available
Condition
Artwork sold in perfect condition, not framed
Authenticity
Sold with certificate of Authenticity from the gallery
Invoice from the gallery
Signature
Hand-signed by artist
Dimensions ( cm • inch )
72.5 x 51.25 x 1 cm 28.5 x 20.2 x 0.4 inch Height x Width x Depth
Sold by
Art gallery
Credentials
Vetted seller since 2026
Description
Artist: Robert Motherwell Title: Primal Sign III Medium: Color aquatint and lift-ground etching on German etching paper Year: 1979/80 Sheet Size: 29" x 20.5" Edition: 28/35 Inscription: Initialed and numbered on bottom front Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity "Primal Sign III" belongs to a series of prints in which Robert Motherwell explored reductive abstraction through a spare vocabulary of line, tone, and symbolic gesture. Executed between 1979-1980, this piece is a color aquatint and lift-ground etching on high–quality German etching paper, printed in a limited edition of 35. The present example bears the artist's initials and edition number in pencil, and is accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity. Motherwell used the aquatint technique—combined with lift-ground etching—to achieve nuanced tonal fields and subtle gradations. This method allowed him to create atmospheric depth and weight in what remains a composed, minimal, yet expressive abstract image. Aquatint, as a variant of intaglio, is well suited to producing large planes of tone rather than discrete lines; in Motherwell's hands, these tonal zones evoke sublimated emotions and meditative space. Visually, "Primal Sign III" presents a restrained yet resonant interplay between dark and light, form and void. The composition's economy and clarity reflect Motherwell's mature approach to abstraction, emphasizing compositional balance, rhythmic tension, and symbolic presence rather than representational reference. As with other works in the “Primal Sign" series, the piece channels what might be called “primal" or elemental energies—evoking introspective moods, elemental spatiality, and a poetic minimalism that resonates with the mid-century American abstract art movement. Please be aware that framed photographs may be digitally rendered, and questions regarding the specific framing of this piece should be directed to us for verification. As an authenticated, limited edition print, "Primal Sign III" is well suited for exhibition or institutional collection. Its mastery of printmaking technique, combined with the conceptual subtlety of Motherwell's abstract language, makes it a significant example of late-modern print art and a testament to the continued evolution of abstraction in mid-20th-century American art.
Presentation
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.
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