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Willem de Kooning

American, Dutch, 1904-1997

As the de facto leader of the New York avant-garde art movement of the 1950s known as Abstract Expressionism, Dutch-American painter Willem de Kooning blended figuration and abstraction in a revolutionary manner that has resonated for decades. His best-known paintings, which were most often of women but gesturally abstract, were unique and incredibly influential at the time. Today, de Kooning is widely considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century.

De Kooning trained in fine and commercial arts at the Rotterdam Academy in his hometown of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, before immigrating to the United States in 1926. His first job in America was as a house painter in New Jersey, and the period left an indelible impression on him as he brought large brushes, loose strokes and fluid paints into his work as an artist. He also worked on public murals under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) program in the 1930s. De Kooning’s studies weren’t executed but they included some of his first abstractions, which showed the influence of like-minded artists as well as the music of the Jazz Age. His broad foundation in classical drawing and physical labor are evident even in the most abstract of his works, which amounted to a fusion of Cubism, Expressionism and Surrealism.

It was in New York that de Kooning found the space and an abundance of inspiration to pursue art full time. Surrounded by prominent artists like Jackson Pollock, Arshile Gorky, Lee Krasner and Fernand Léger, de Kooning drew from the freedom and boldness with which they all approached their work. In 1943, he married Elaine de Kooning, a versatile and immensely talented New York painter with a significant role in the Abstract Expressionist movement.

A major motif in de Kooning’s work is the deconstructed female form. A collection of paintings demonstrative of this is now known as his “Woman” series of the early 1950s, which remains controversial more than half a century later. Drawing inspiration from photography in magazines and using vivid colors and expressive brushstrokes to unforgettable effect, de Kooning depicted his subjects as grotesque, sexualized and loosely abstracted forms, which many critics deemed angry and misogynistic. But it is this very fearlessness in visual and conceptual experimentation that made de Kooning a crucial figure of Abstract Expressionism.

Today, de Kooning’s work is among the most coveted art in the world. His Interchange (1955), with its bold lines and shapes executed in primary colors, is one of the most expensive paintings ever sold.

Find a collection of Willem de Kooning art on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Willem de Kooning
Willem de Kooning Untitled 1972 Signed Abstract Cast Pewter Sculpture 38/100
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An expressive abstract cast pewter sculpture by Willem de Kooning. Untitled, published in 1972. Signed “W de K” with an annotation of 38/100. Published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles. Maker’s mark next to artist’s signature. De Kooning became interested in sculpture in 1969 when he met sculptor Herzl Emanuel in Rome and he started to make 3-dimensional work in Emanuel’s foundry. Henry Moore encouraged him to keep expanding his technique and enlarge the small sculptures. Gemini G.E.L. helped Willem de Kooning execute the project, making a successful collaboration. De Koonings sculptures...
Category

1970s Vintage Willem de Kooning

Materials

Pewter

"the Man and the Big Blonde" by Willem de Kooning
By Willem de Kooning
Located in New York, NY
The Man and the Big Blonde is an original lithograph in colors on wove paper by Dutch-American artist Willem de Kooning,1982. Signed in print. Condition re...
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1880s American Antique Willem de Kooning

Materials

Gold Leaf

Willem De Kooning Complete Set of 17 Lithographs Each Signed and Numbered 1988
By Willem de Kooning
Located in New York, NY
Seventeen Lithographs for Frank O'Hara, New York, Limited Editions Club, 1988 the complete set of 17 signed and numbered lithographs in colors by Willem De Kooning, title page, and justification, on Chine appliqué, numbered 51 of 60 (there were also 12 with opposite facing text, and 550 bound copies with the lithographs appliquéd to the text pages), all with full margins and beautifully framed. Comes with original black cloth-covered portfolio with black leather label and gilt stamped title (very minor wear) and original purchase paperwork from Baby Jane...
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1980s American Modern Vintage Willem de Kooning

Materials

Wood, Paper

Willem De Kooning "High School Desk" Lithograph, Signed, Numbered, Framed, 1970
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Kansas City, MO
Willem De Kooning (Dutch-American, 1904-1997) High school desk, 1970 Viscosity acid edged Lithograph print on Italia paper. Signed, dated and numbered. 26 of an edition of 57. P...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willem de Kooning

Materials

Gold Leaf

Untitled Silkscreen by Abstract Expressionist Artist Willem de Kooning
By Willem de Kooning
Located in Stamford, CT
Untitled silkscreen by Dutch American abstract expressionist artist Willem de Kooning (1904-1997). Signed and numbered 42/75.
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Willem de Kooning

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Willem De Kooning furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Willem de Kooning furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Willem de Kooning furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Willem de Kooning were created in the modern style in united states during the late 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Robert Mangold, Ilya Bolotowsky, and André Lanskoy. Prices for Willem de Kooning furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $12,000 and can go as high as $55,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $18,950.

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