Untitled (Figure)
Artist
Robert Motherwell
(American, 1915–1991)
Date1959
Mediumcharcoal with graphite on cream Strathmore wove paper
Dimensions36.2 x 28.8 cm (sheet)
ClassificationsDrawings
MarkingsStrathmore Seconds blindstamp in l.r.
Credit LineEliza S. Paine Fund and Gift of the Dedalus Foundation
Terms
Object number1997.142
Label TextMotherwell was the youngest and most intellectual among the pioneers of Abstract Expressionism. After graduating from Stanford he briefly studied philosophy at Harvard. In 1941, an encounter with the Surrealist painter Matta encouraged him to make “automatic” drawings and his first mature paintings. With its erasures and overdrawing, this figure study reflects the artist’s combination of perception and automatism. Motherwell’s style became more calligraphic after he studied Japanese art.ProvenancePurchased from Dedalus Foundation, New York, NYOn View
Not on view
