Skip to main content

Robert Motherwell Furniture

American, 1915-1991

The name of painter, printmaker and writer Robert Motherwell (1915–91) is often taken as synonymous with the New York School, whose name he coined. Motherwell was the youngest of this group of Abstract Expressionists working in art, dance, poetry and music in 1950s and '60s New York City, which included Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Philip Guston, Helen Frankenthaler and Mark Rothko.

Born in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1915, Motherwell had perhaps the broadest and best education of any of the New York School coterie, with an extensive background in philosophy, literature and art history. He earned a BA in philosophy in 1937 from Stanford University and was working toward a PhD in the subject at Harvard when he interrupted his studies for a yearlong trip to Europe, where he fell in love with European modernism.

After returning, in 1940 he enrolled Columbia to study art history. It was there that he met a group of exiled Parisian Surrealists, and encounter that proved influential on his style. Motherwell began to integrate the idea of “automatism” — unmediated gestures that reflect deeper psychological impulses — into his work, pioneering a new form of Abstract Expressionism that came to characterize the New York School.

Works like the 1967 Beside the Sea no. 45, an acrylic on canvas, and the 1966 lithograph New York International epitomize Motherwell’s use of simple shapes in boldly contrasting colors, executed in quick, gestural strokes that occasionally evoke figures, suggesting a latent narrative despite their obvious abstraction.

Throughout his career, Motherwell taught painting at Hunter College, in New York, and at Black Mountain College, in North Carolina, where his work influenced the likes of Cy Twombly, Robert Rauschenberg and Kenneth Noland. His influence as one of the founding fathers of American Abstract Expressionism remains profound.

12
to
11
1
12
12
12
6
2
12
3
9
1
3
5
1
12
2
2
12
11
214
4,948
3,945
2,476
2,234
Creator: Robert Motherwell
1979 Robert Motherwell Dalton Print 34/150 Framed
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
Robert Motherwell Dalton Print 1979 signed lithograph Ed. 34/150 Printed on tan BFK Rives mould-made paper. Printed and published by Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Bedford, NY with the blind ...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Robert Motherwell Hand Signed Exhibition & Black Lithograph Poster Dance I, 1979
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful and engaging lithographic exhibition poster by American abstract expressionist painter, and master printmaker Robert Motherwell (1915-1991) titled "Dance I" (1978). This work is from his 1979 exhibition "Robert Motherwell & Black " which was held at The William Benton Museum of Art at The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The lithograph/print is hand-signed by Motherwell (as well as signed in the plate top right) on wove paper. The original owner went to the opening of the show and had Motherwell sign...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

El Negro - Robert Motherwell (1915-1991)
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
El Negro" by Robert Motherwell is a meticulously crafted artist's book showcasing nineteen lithographs, notable for their vibrant colors and the inclusion of Chine collé in three of ...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Robert Motherwell Abstract Expressionist Print in 19th Century Gilt Frame
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Abstract Expressionist Print, by Robert Motherwell, American, circa 1967. This work is from the limited edition portfolio "In Memory of My Feelings: A Selection of Poems by Frank O'Hara". Only 2500 were printed. This example has been professionally framed under UV resistant glass in a 19th Century gilt frame.
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper, Glass

Robert Motherwell '1915-1991' Amer, Etching & Aquatint
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Sarasota, FL
Titled, "Black Mountain, State II", 1983 etching and aqautint in red and blue. Numbered 29/32 and pencil-signed Motherwell lower right. Thick black lines on a brilliant red field. Am...
Category

1980s American Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Robert Motherwell '1915-1991' Amer, Litho/Collage
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Sarasota, FL
Titled, "Game of Chance", Lithograph, aquatint, paper, pastel and acrylic paint on paper, numbered 21/100, signed in lower right corner. Presented by Tyler Graphics Ltd in honour of ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Robert Motherwell Signed Catalogue with Lithograph- Selected Prints, 1961-1974
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
First edition from an edition of 4000, published by Brooke Alexander, 1975. Untitled 1974. Lithograph with collage printed on Rives B.F.K. parer 10 x 24 inches This rare catalogue...
Category

1970s American Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Robert Motherwell Signed Limited Edition Large Aquatint Etching Blackened Sun
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Studio City, CA
A breathtaking, large in scope and scale, rivetting work by American abstract expressionist painter, and master printmaker Robert Motherwell (1915-1991). This aquatint/lift ground ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Robert Motherwell, Untitled
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
"Untitled" Lithograph by Robert Motherwell on Arches Paper. Signed and numbered 198/225 in pencil. Printed by Irwin Hollander, New York, with artist...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

"Elegy (Study)" by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
A lithograph titled, "Elegy ( Study )" by Robert Motherwell 1979, signed and numbered 42/98 in pencil with Motherwell's blind stamp. There were 12 artist proofs in addition to the 98...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

"Primal Sign V Copper" Aquatint and Etching by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
"Primal Sign V (Copper)" aquatint and etching from one zinc plate by Robert Motherwell (American. 1915-1991) Numbered 18/28 with 7 artist proofs in edition. Archival framed using mus...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Early Untitled Lithograph by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
"Untitled" by Robert Motherwell was printed as part of "9", a portfolio with works of 9 other abstract expressionist artists including Willem de Kooning, Sam Francis, Ellsworth Kelly...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Related Items
20th Century Italian High Quality Mahogany Roulette Wheel by Dal Negro
Located in Sofia, BG
Here we present you a high quality roulette wheel for the home and clubs and events. It is made from solid Sapelli Mahogany - a gorgeous piece of work Wheel is mounted on 2 rings of ball bearings for perfectly smooth running Round sided roulette wheel with a single zero - two roulette balls are included. The piece is made by the world-leading quality gaming equipment...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Robert Simpson Golf Bookends
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Robert Simpson Bookends, No. 3 Iron & Wood. A pair of bookends hand crafted from high quality traditional materials with original 1940's club heads. The...
Category

1940s British Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Oak

Robert Simpson Golf Bookends
Robert Simpson Golf Bookends
H 6 in W 4.75 in D 6 in
Surrealist Framed Print by Bruce Richards
By Bruce Richards
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Surrealist framed print by Bruce Richards (American, born 1948): "Witness (Man Ray)". Numbered 2/45 and signed Bruce Richards '92.
Category

20th Century American Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Ink, Paper

Angelo Testa: Pair of Signed Geometric Abstract Prints in Red and Yellow, 1950's
By Angelo Testa
Located in New York, NY
Angelo Testa (1921–1984) A pair of signed geometric prints by preeminent textile designer Angelo Testa, a disciple of László Moholy-Nagy renowned for the complex abstract fabrics he ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Colorful 1970 Abstract Screen Print
Located in Chicago, IL
On a background of white, the red, yellow, purple, black and blue colors of this somewhat surrealistic print stand out. The artist's proof, it is signed "Bennema-Brejcha, 1970"
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Vintage Glazed Porcelain Factory Rubber Glove Molds, c.1991
Located in San Francisco, CA
About Several sizes available. Original vintage glazed porcelain factory rubber glove molds. Each is stamped with the size and exact dates of manufacture. These pieces have ret...
Category

Late 20th Century Industrial Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Craig Ellwood Geometric Screen Print, 1979
By Craig Ellwood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1922-1992, Craig Ellwood was an influential Los Angeles based architect. His building designs were the quintessential post and beam structures that were part of the California modern...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Man At Desk Framed Print
Located in Countryside, IL
Man At Desk Framed Print This print measures: 18 wide x 2 deep x 19 inches high This print is in Great Vintage Condition with minor marks, dents, and...
Category

2010s American Modern Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

Man At Desk Framed Print
Man At Desk Framed Print
H 19 in W 18 in D 2 in
Framed Berecks Garden Print
Located in Countryside, IL
Framed Berecks garden print This print is in great vintage condition with minor marks, dents, and wear. We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much detai...
Category

2010s American Modern Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

Framed Berecks Garden Print
Framed Berecks Garden Print
H 39 in W 52 in D 1 in
Rita Simon Untitled 7 Screen Print Limited Edition 300, 1979
By Rita Simon
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original Rita Simon "Untitled 7" Screen artwork Print Limited Edition 300, circa 1979. Rita Simon's prints are striking visuals. Where no idea or image is out of bounds, Simon reach...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Robert Capa: Photographs, First Edition by Robert & Cornell Capa
By Cornell Capa
Located in valatie, NY
Robert Capa: Photographs by Robert and Cornell Capa and Richard Whelan. Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1985. Stated first edition. hardcover with dust jacket. 242 pp., 262 black and whit...
Category

1980s American Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Late 19th Century Botanical Chromolithograph Print in Gilt Frame
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century botanical chromolithograph print in gilt frame, Odontoglossum Crispum. From an illustration by B. Herincq. Document taped en verso: "Favourite Flowers of Garden And...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Previously Available Items
Summertime In Italy 'With Blue' Lithograph by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
"Summertime in Italy with Blue" a lithograph by Robert Motherwell. Signed and blind stamped. 65/100 from edition of 100 with artist proofs. Newly f...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

David Smith, Robert Motherwell Catalog with Installation Photographs
By Robert Motherwell, David Smith
Located in New York, NY
Catalog of a David Smith and Robert Motherwell exhibition held at the Museo De Arte Contemporaneo De Caracas in 1979. With an introduction by doré Ashton. 32 pages with color and bla...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Robert Motherwell, West Islip, Lithograph with Hand Painting, 1970
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
Robert Motherwell, (1915-1991) West Islip, 1970 Lithograph with hand painted acrylic on Rives BFK paper, signed in pencil and numbered 10/20 there were also 2 artist's proofs, with...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Robert Motherwell, Untitled Serigraph
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
A Robert Motherwell Serigraph from an edition of 250. Framed using acid free materials and gilt frame. Signed and numbered 199/250.
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Selection of Robert Motherwell Lithographs
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Robert Motherwell lithographs, circa 1960s. They have been recently framed in clean lined black lacquer gallery frames. They...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Selection of Robert Motherwell Lithographs
Selection of Robert Motherwell Lithographs
H 13.5 in W 27.75 in D 0.5 in
Robert Motherwell, Untitled Lithograph on Arches Paper
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
A lithograph by Robert Motherwell. "Untitled" on full sheet of arches paper with blind stamp, signed and numbered in pencil 199/225. Newly framed using ac...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Robert Motherwell Etching and Aquatint, Running Elegy ii, Blue State, 1983
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
Color etching and aquatint, 1983, on Hawthorne of Larrouque handmade paper, signed and numbered 1/10 in pencil, published by the artist and with his blind stamp, with full margins. F...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Robert Motherwell "London Series II"
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
The complete suite of 5 silk screens by Robert Motherwell published in 1970-71 by Marlborough Graphics Inc. Printed at Kelpra Studio in London under the direction of Chris Prater. In...
Category

1970s English Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Robert Motherwell Signed Lithograph 92/150 Africa II
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Toledo, OH
Signed and numbered lithograph 92/150 titled Africa II by American artist Robert Motherwell. Framed in a silver frame with cream mat.
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Modern Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Robert Motherwell, "Chair" Lithograph in Colors
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
"Chair' was printed using three lithography stones and one aluminum plate on Rives BFK paper. The work was published by Erker-Presse with their blind stamp. It was an edition of 300 ...
Category

1970s German Modern Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

Large, Signed and Numbered, Robert Motherwell Lithograph
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Newport Beach, CA
"Elegy Study I" - Signed and annotated P.P.II, 1989 lithograph in colors on light brown, TGL handmade paper by iconic American artist, Robert Motherwell (1915-1991). From an edition ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Robert Motherwell Furniture

Materials

Paper

"Africa 8" Silkscreen by Robert Motherwell
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Stamford, CT
A silkscreen by Robert Motherwell. This silkscreen is from his Africa suite and is number 8 from a portfolio of 150. Signed and labelled "a/p" (Artist Proof). Archivally framed using...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Robert Motherwell Furniture

Robert Motherwell furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Robert Motherwell furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of paper and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Robert Motherwell furniture, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Robert Motherwell were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Ellsworth Kelly, Jim Dine, and Donald Judd. Prices for Robert Motherwell furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,189 and can go as high as $27,900, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $14,500.
Questions About Robert Motherwell Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Robert Motherwell was a part of the art movement called Abstract Expressionism. Artists who participated in the movement sought to express emotions through abstract forms. You'll find a range of Robert Motherwell art from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Interiors Featuring Robert Motherwell

Explore the work of the world's best interior designers

Recently Viewed

View All