Robert Motherwell (1915-1991), alongside Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, made up the quartet of American abstract painters that radically defined abstraction and established New York City as the center of the art world for the second half of the 20th century.
Motherwell, an uncommonly gifted communicator, acted as the unofficial spokesman of the New York School--writing, teaching, and lecturing on behalf of the movement, his fellow artists, and the merits of abstraction.
His contributions to painting in the 20th century are matched only by his contributions to printmaking. He was always searching for new techniques, whether at his own printmaking atelier, or collaborating with others, to expand his ideas and express his aesthetic.
"Flags" is a superb impression from Motherwell. Featuring bold, black shapes against a powerful field of saturated red, this work is not easily forgotten. The dark brushstrokes are palpable, their edges bleeding into the crimson backdrop. Elegant and raw, this print masterfully balances the sprits of abstract expressionism with minimalism.
Unsurprisingly, Motherwell's punchy red prints are the most collected and sought-after works in his oeuvre.
Another impression of this piece is held in the collection of the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis.
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery.
"FLAGS"
USA, 1989
Lithograph, embossing, and chine appliqué on cream Rives BFK mould-made paper; red Moriki handmade paper
Signed "RM" and numbered "31/68" in pencil by the artist, lower right
Published by Tyler Graphics Ltd., Mount Kisco, New York
Printed by Lee Fundburg, Tyler Graphics Ltd.
Workshop chop mark lower right; workshop number "RM88-966" in pencil, reverse lower left
From an edition of 68
36.25"H 30"W (sheet)
Very good condition
Catalogue Raisonné: Engberg & Banach 470
Concordance: B 408; TGL RM87
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