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.
"Three forms" is a superb impression from Motherwell. Featuring bold, black shapes against a powerful field of saturated red, this etching 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 Gallery, Minneapolis.
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery.
"Three Forms"
USA, 1988
Etching and aquatint in colors on wove paper
Signed "RM" and numbered "9/50" in pencil by the artist, lower right
From an edition of 50, with 10 artist proofs numbered in Roman numerals
11.75"H 23.75"W (image)
19.75"H 31"W (sheet)
Printed and published by the artist in New York, 1988
The paper bears the blindstamp of the artist in the lower right corner
Very good condition
Literature: Engberg, S. & Banach, J. (2003). Robert Motherwell, the Complete Prints 1940-1991. A Catalogue Raisonné. Minneapolis: Walker Art Gallery
Reference: Engberg & Banach 469 | Belknap 407
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