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Robert
Motherwell

Recognised for his distinctive philosophy-driven abstractions, Robert Motherwell emerged as a prominent figure in the post-war art scene. If you’re looking for Robert Motherwell original prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.

Robert Motherwell art for sale

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Biography

Born in 1915 in Washington, Robert Motherwell embarked on his artistic journey at Stanford and Harvard, initially pursuing a career in philosophy–a subject that later influenced his artistic ethos. His early exposure to Surrealism in Paris and subsequent return to the U.S. in the 1940s marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to Abstract Expressionism. A prolific artist and articulate theorist, Motherwell's works like The Homely Protestant became celebrated for their expressive forms and emotive power. His career was filled with significant milestones, including his role in founding the influential Documents of Modern Art series and his contribution to the New York School of painters. His art, characterised by deep introspection and a unique blend of intellectual rigour and emotional intensity, made him a crucial figure in the post-war art scene.

Motherwell's philosophical background is evident in the thoughtful composition and thematic depth of his works. He saw painting as a medium for exploring existential and emotional truths, a perspective that set his work apart in the realm of Abstract Expressionism.

Throughout his career, his explorations were as intellectual as they were visual. His works are distinguished by their emotive force, often large in scale, featuring bold colours and dynamic forms. Motherwell's commitment to Abstract Expressionism wasn’t solely stylistic but deeply philosophical, reflecting his belief in art's ability to express the human condition. His series Elegy to the Spanish Republic series, made up of over 100 paintings, reveals his capacity for thematic depth and variation within a singular motif.

Exhibited widely, his works graced the halls of prestigious institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim. Beyond painting, Motherwell was an accomplished printmaker and editor, significantly contributing to the intellectual discourse of art through his writings and lectures. His influence extended into academia, teaching at institutions like Hunter College, shaping a generation of artists. Motherwell's legacy exists not only in his compositions but in his impact on the conceptual understanding of modern art, bridging the emotional intensity of Abstract Expressionism with philosophical and poetic undertones.

Black and white abstract composition with three thick vertical black brushstrokes and three black oval shapes divided by white spaces.A horizontal black rectangle sits in the top right corner.

At Five In The Afternoon © Robert Motherwell 1971

1. £8.1M for Robert Motherwell's At Five In The Afternoon

At Five In The Afternoon (1971) achieved Motherwell's current auction record when it sold at Phillips New York in May 2018. This monumental canvas, standing at over 3m tall, is part of Motherwell’s renowned Elegies To The Spanish Republic series. It exemplifies the artist’s mature style, particularly his characteristic handling of scale and gesture. The title references Federico García Lorca's poem "Lament for Ignacio Sánchez Mejías," a meditation on death that deeply influenced Motherwell's work - the repeated line “at five in the afternoon” references the traditional start time of bullfights. As well as being crucial to defining the Abstract Expressionism movement, the painting holds personal significance for Motherwell. He painted it following his divorce from Helen Frankethaler, who took the original 1949 version in the settlement.

Black and white abstract painting with three thick vertical black brushstrokes against a white background. Between the tree strokes are two black oval shapes.

Elegy To The Spanish Republic No.134 © Robert Motherwell 1974

2. £6.9M for Robert Motherwell's Elegy To The Spanish Republic No.134

Selling at Sotheby's New York in May 2019, Elegy To The Spanish Republic No.134 (1974) is one of a limited suite of seven Elegy paintings created between 1974 and 1975 that are 244.5 by 305.4 cm in size. The work demonstrates Motherwell’s recognisable use of black ovoid and rectangular forms to create a composition that is at once formally rigorous and emotionally charged. The painting's creation during Motherwell's most sought-after period contributed to its significant result, demonstrating continued collector confidence in major works from this series.

Large black geometric forms arranged vertically against a beige background, with two small red and blue squares in the upper left corner.

Elegy To The Spanish Republic No.130 © Robert Motherwell 1974-75

3. £3.0M for Robert Motherwell's Elegy To The Spanish Republic No.130

Created between 1974-75, this entry in Motherwell's Elegy series achieved its result at Sotheby's in May 2023. The painting was acquired directly from Motherwell by Irma and Norman Braman, and kept in their private collection until 2013. Its appearance again in 2023 provided a rare opportunity for collectors to own a work the artist’s best-loved body of work - something that was reflected in its place on this list.

High-contrast black and white composition with dramatic sweeping forms, sharp edges, thick vertical strokes and thin horizontal strokes, creating a dynamic abstract landscape.

Elegy To The Spanish Republic No.79 © Robert Motherwell 1962