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the collector's folio

Frederick Sommer Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Frederick Sommer our visitors look at most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Frederick Sommer · 1905 – 1999

Lee Nevin by Frederick Sommer, 1960

1960 · MOMA - Museum of Modern Art, New York City

Explore 'Lee Nevin' by Frederick Sommer – a haunting black and white portrait capturing profound sadness and introspection. Discover the artist’s masterful technique and evocative imagery at The National Gallery of Art.

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #1: Lee Nevin
Art Movement
Mid-century Portraiture
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 1 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

I Adore You – Frederick Sommer

1947
View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #2: I Adore You
Art Movement
Surrealism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 2 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$20236 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Frederick Sommer: Livia

1948
View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #3: Livia
Art Movement
Surrealism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 3 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Valise d'Adam, Frederick Sommer

1949
View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #4: Valise d'Adam
Art Movement
Surrealism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 4 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (Nude out of focus) (1965) by Frederick Sommer

1965
View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #5: Untitled (Nude out of focus)
Art Movement
Surrealism
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 5 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Frederick Sommer, Lee Nevin (1963)

1963
View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #6: Lee Nevin
Art Movement
Surrealism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 6 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Lee Nevin (1965) by Frederick Sommer

1965
View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #7: Lee Nevin
Art Movement
Surrealism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 7 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled

1962 · MOMA - Museum of Modern Art, New York City

Delve into the ethereal beauty of Frederick Sommer's 'Untitled,' a surreal desert photograph capturing fragility & vulnerability through soft focus and geometric abstraction.

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #8: Untitled
Art Movement
Surrealism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 8 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17725 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Giant by Frederick Sommer, 1947

1947 · MOMA - Museum of Modern Art, New York City · original 24 x 19 cm

Magnificent hand-painted reproduction of Frederick Sommer’s ‘Giant’. Explore surreal desert landscapes & innovative photography by this master artist. A unique art piece for your collection.

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #9: Giant
Art Movement
Surrealism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 9 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Max Ernst

Explore Frederick Sommer’s stark black & white portraits – a master photographer’s evocative images of aging resilience. Discover the story behind this unique artwork.

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #10: Max Ernst
Art Movement
Documentary Photography
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 10 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (110)

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #11: Untitled (110)
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 11 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (807), Frederick Sommer

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #12: Untitled (807)
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 12 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17725 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (756)

Detailed anatomical illustration by Frederick Sommer (1905-1999). Vintage scientific diagram of the human head & brain in precise, linear style. A unique piece for art collectors.

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #13: Untitled (756)
Art Movement
Scientific Illustration
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 13 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (731), Frederick Sommer

Explore 'Untitled (731)' by Frederick Sommer – a detailed 19th-century anatomical illustration in red & grey. A unique scientific artwork, perfect for collectors of medical & historical prints.

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #14: Untitled (731)
Art Movement
Academic Art
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 14 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (850)

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #15: Untitled (850)
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 15 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$22736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (664)

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #16: Untitled (664)
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 16 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Frances

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #17: Frances
Art Movement
Surrealism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 17 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (Amputated Foot) by Frederick Sommer, 1939

1939
View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #18: Untitled (Amputated Foot)
Art Movement
Surrealism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 18 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Chicken Parts – Frederick Sommer

1939
View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #19: Chicken Parts
Art Movement
Surrealism
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 19 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Frederick Sommer, Arizona Landscape, 1945 (gelatin silver photograph) (1945)

1945 · original 24 x 19 cm
View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #20: Arizona Landscape, 1945 (gelatin silver photograph)
Art Movement
Surrealism
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 20 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Taylor, Arizona by Frederick Sommer, 1945

1945
View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #21: Taylor, Arizona
Art Movement
Surrealism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 21 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Frederick Sommer: The Thief Greater Than His Loot

1955 · Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles · original 24 x 20 cm
View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #22: The Thief Greater Than His Loot
Art Movement
Surrealism
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 22 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17725 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (353) – Frederick Sommer

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #23: Untitled (353)
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 23 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (139) by Frederick Sommer

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #24: Untitled (139)
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 24 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (556)

View the most popular artwork of Frederick Sommer ranked #25: Untitled (556)
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 25 of 37 artworks by Frederick Sommer
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork
The artist

Frederick Sommer

1905 – 1999

Portrait of Frederick Sommer
Quick facts
  • Topics exploreddesert landscape, anatomy illustration
  • Top 3 worksLee Nevin, I Adore You, Livia
  • Movementssurrealism
  • Lifespan94 years
  • Museums on APSLos Angeles County Museum of Art, MOMA - Museum of Modern Art
  • Top-ranked workLee Nevin
  • Works on APS37
  • Creative periodsmature period
Biography

Frederick Sommer: A Desert Visionary

Frederick Sommer (1905 – 1999) stands as a singular figure in American photography and visual art, recognized for his hauntingly beautiful desert landscapes and his pioneering exploration of photographic techniques. Born in Cornell University where he met Frances Elisabeth Watson—whom he married in 1928—Sommer’s life was marked by intellectual curiosity and artistic dedication, culminating in the establishment of the Center for Creative Photography at Arizona State University alongside Ansel Adams, Harry Callahan, Wynn Bullock, and Aaron Siskind. This collaborative endeavor cemented his legacy as a champion of experimental photography and fostered a vibrant community of artists committed to pushing creative boundaries.
  • Early Life & Tuberculosis Diagnosis:
  • Sommer’s artistic journey began unexpectedly in 1931 when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Seeking solace and expression amidst illness, he turned to photography as a medium—a decision that profoundly shaped his artistic vision. This formative experience instilled within him a sensitivity to vulnerability and resilience, themes that would permeate much of his subsequent work.
  • The Advent of Photography & Influences:
  • Photography’s transformative power captivated Sommer, leading him to acquire an 8×10 Century Universal Camera in 1938. Inspired by the monumental landscapes of Ansel Adams—particularly Yosemite Valley’s El Capitan and Half Dome—Sommer embarked on a quest to capture the grandeur and subtle complexities of the American desert. His artistic sensibilities were further enriched by collaborations with luminaries like Max Ernst, Aaron Siskind, Richard Nickel, and Minor White, who shared his fascination for exploring unconventional photographic approaches.

Desert Landscapes & Surreal Composition

Sommer’s photographs are characterized by an arresting stillness—a deliberate rejection of conventional compositional strategies. Rather than striving for dramatic vistas or theatrical lighting effects, he favored horizonless landscapes and jarred subjects—techniques that demanded meticulous observation and a profound understanding of visual perception. As Robert C. Morgan eloquently described, Sommer's images “were sommer’s seemingly infinite desert landscapes, some of which he referred to as 'constellations.'" These compositions weren’t merely representations of the natural world; they functioned as meditations on solitude, contemplation, and the sublime—reflecting a deep engagement with existential themes.
  • Innovative Techniques & Collage Exploration:
  • Sommer relentlessly pursued new methods of artistic expression, experimenting with cliché-verre negatives and pushing the boundaries of photographic printing. Notably, he transitioned to collage in his final years—creating intricate assemblages based on anatomical illustrations—a stylistic choice that underscored his enduring interest in exploring visual metaphors and conveying complex ideas.
  • Institutional Recognition & Legacy:
  • His contribution to photography was formally acknowledged through the founding of the Center for Creative Photography, a testament to his unwavering belief in collaborative artistic endeavors. Sommer’s archive—containing extensive photographic negatives and correspondence—became an invaluable resource for scholars and artists alike, furthering the dissemination of experimental photographic practices.

Musical Score Drawings & Artistic Dialogue

Beyond his monumental desert landscapes, Sommer produced a series of drawings inspired by musical scores—a practice that reveals his artistic sensitivity to rhythm, texture, and visual harmony. These compositions weren’t intended as literal transcriptions of music; instead, they functioned as symbolic representations of emotional states and intellectual concepts—demonstrating Sommer's ability to translate abstract ideas into tangible forms.
  • Notable Collaborations & Artistic Influences:
  • Sommer’s artistic journey intersected with the careers of influential figures such as Ansel Adams, Harry Callahan, Wynn Bullock, and Aaron Siskind, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and techniques. His work continues to inspire artists today—serving as a reminder that true innovation arises from embracing unconventional approaches and engaging in meaningful dialogue across disciplines.

Concluding Reflections: A Master’s Enduring Vision

Frederick Sommer passed away in 1999, leaving behind an extraordinary artistic legacy. His photographs—particularly his desert landscapes—remain among the most evocative and intellectually stimulating images of the twentieth century—a testament to his unwavering commitment to artistic exploration and his profound understanding of the human condition. Today’s reproductions of Sommer's work continue to captivate audiences worldwide—affirming his enduring influence on American art history.

Questions & Answers

How do I find all works by Frederick Sommer in a given medium?

The All Medium page groups Frederick Sommer's artworks by technique.

Is there a 3D virtual tour of Frederick Sommer's works?

The 3D Museum of Frederick Sommer is a page that displays the artist's artworks in a virtual three-dimensional gallery.

How do I find works by Frederick Sommer on a specific theme?

Frederick Sommer's works can be explored by keyword on the artist's By Keywords page. Each keyword groups the related artworks.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 25, 2026
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