Search
WikiOO.org
Artworks
  • All Artworks
  • By Medium
  • By Medium Type
  • By Year
  • By Topics
  • By Keywords
  • By Origin
  • By Corpus Context
  • By Popularity
  • By Format & Orientation
  • By Vibe
  • Digital Image Downloads
Movements & Periods
  • Artworks by Movement
  • Artworks by Period
  • Artists by Art Periods
  • Artists by Creative Periods
  • Museums by Periods
  • Timeline of Art Movements
Colors
  • By Artwork Colors
  • By Color Palettes
  • Search by Color
  • Search by Color Advanced
  • By Color Palette
  • By Main Color
  • By Color Intensity
  • By Color Harmony
  • By Color Contrast
  • By Brightness
Artists
  • All Artists
  • By Alphabet
  • By Birth Year
  • By Born Country
  • By Born City
  • By Country
  • By Period
  • By Mediums
  • By Medium Types
  • By Artwork Origins
  • By Corpus Context
  • By Topics
  • By Vibes
  • By Emotional Tones
  • By Popularity
Museums
  • All Museums
  • By Country
  • By City
  • Country Index
  • City Index
  • By Popularity
  • By Mediums
  • By Medium Types
About
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Global Statistics
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Artists
  • Jacob Lawrence
  • Most Popular Paintings
the collector's folio

Jacob Lawrence Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Jacob Lawrence 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 Jacob Lawrence · 1917 – 2000

Jacob Lawrence, Migration Series No.57: The female workers were the last to arrive north (1941)

1941 · The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. · original 45.7 x 30.5cm

This dynamic cubist tempera painting by Jacob Lawrence depicts female workers. Discover this powerful piece of history today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #1: Migration Series No.57: The female workers were the last to arrive north
Art Movement
Dynamic Cubism
View the artwork

The Library by Jacob Lawrence

1960 · Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.

'The Library' by Jacob Lawrence (1960) embodies Lawrence's signature style – dynamic cubism – portraying a bustling Harlem library scene brimming with knowledge and community engagement. Explore this iconic artwork's rich symbolism and artistic innovation.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #2: The Library
Art Movement
Cubist
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 2 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17735 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Bar and Grill – Jacob Lawrence

1941 · Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. · original 42 x 57 cm

Jacob Lawrence's 'Bar and Grill' captures the stark realities of Jim Crow segregation in New Orleans with a poignant depiction of racial division and social injustice, rendered in striking black and white hues.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #3: Bar and Grill
Art Movement
Cubism
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 3 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$21857 × 42 cm Commission at original size

Genesis Creation Sermon V: And God Created All the Fowls of the Air and Fishes of the Seas by Jacob Lawrence, 1989

1989 · SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah

Experience Jacob Lawrence's vibrant 1989 Genesis Creation Sermon V, a monumental depiction of biblical life bursting with color and narrative wonder; discover this American masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #4: Genesis Creation Sermon V: And God Created All the Fowls of the Air and Fishes of the Seas
Art Movement
Expressionism
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 4 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Genesis Creation Sermon IV: And God Created the Day and the Night and God Creatied and Put Stars in the Skies

1989 · SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah

A vibrant display of communal awe and celestial creation unfolds in Jacob Lawrence's 1989 masterpiece Genesis Creation Sermon IV, inviting you to bring this powerful piece of American art history into your collection.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #5: Genesis Creation Sermon IV: And God Created the Day and the Night and God Creatied and Put Stars in the Skies
Art Movement
Contemporary Realism
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 5 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

War Series: The Letter by Jacob Lawrence

1946 · Whitney Museum of American Art, New York

Jacob Lawrence's 'War Series: The Letter,' painted in 1946, embodies Expressionism and Social Realism with its stark colors and simplified forms depicting grief and loss during wartime—a poignant reflection of American history.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #6: War Series: The Letter
Art Movement
Social Realism
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 6 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Genesis Creation Sermon VII: And God Created Man and Woman (1989) by Jacob Lawrence

1989 · SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah

Experience Jacob Lawrence's vibrant 1989 depiction of a powerful Harlem sermon, capturing profound Black American narrative art; discover this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #7: Genesis Creation Sermon VII: And God Created Man and Woman
Art Movement
American Scene Painting
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 7 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Genesis Creation Sermon II: And God Brought Forth the Fimament and the Waters by Jacob Lawrence, 1989

1989 · SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah

Explore Jacob Lawrence’s ‘Genesis Creation Sermon II.’ A vibrant, Expressionist masterpiece depicting biblical creation through a unique Harlem lens. Discover its dynamic style & historical significance.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #8: Genesis Creation Sermon II: And God Brought Forth the Fimament and the Waters
Art Movement
Expressionism
Color Palette
Metallics
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 8 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$20227 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Genesis Creation Sermon I: In the Beginning All Was Void, Jacob Lawrence

1989 · SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah

Experience Jacob Lawrence's vibrant 1989 depiction of creation, capturing the powerful resonance of a sermon in American art; discover this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #9: Genesis Creation Sermon I: In the Beginning All Was Void
Art Movement
American Scene Painting
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 9 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Genesis Creation Sermon VI: And God Created All the Beasts of the Earth – Jacob Lawrence

1989 · SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah

Experience Jacob Lawrence's vibrant 1989 depiction of creation, capturing a powerful sermon scene rich with African-American history; discover this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #10: Genesis Creation Sermon VI: And God Created All the Beasts of the Earth
Art Movement
American Scene Painting
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 10 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Genesis Creation Sermon VIII: And Creation Was Done and All Was Well, Jacob Lawrence

1989 · SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah

Experience Jacob Lawrence's vibrant 1989 mural capturing a powerful Harlem sermon; discover this monumental American narrative masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #11: Genesis Creation Sermon VIII: And Creation Was Done and All Was Well
Art Movement
Dynamic Cubism
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 11 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

The Card Game, 1953, Jacob Lawrence

1953 · SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah

A captivating black and white depiction of figures gathered around a table in Jacob Lawrence's The Card Game, capturing the vibrant spirit of mid-century life through his iconic dynamic cubism style, available for your collection.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #12: The Card Game
Art Movement
Dynamic Cubism
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 12 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Genesis Creation Sermon III: And God Said, Jacob Lawrence

1989 · SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah

A powerful preacher figure commands the room in this vibrant 1989 masterpiece by Jacob Lawrence, capturing the spiritual energy of Harlem through dynamic colors and expressive movement for your private collection.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #13: Genesis Creation Sermon III: And God Said
Art Movement
Contemporary Realism
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 13 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Tombstones (1942)

1942 · Whitney Museum of American Art, New York

Jacob Lawrence’s ‘Tombstones’ presents a dynamic, cubist meditation on mortality and community through flattened perspective and geometric forms, capturing the solemn reflection of 1942 Harlem. Discover this powerful Social Realism artwork and own a piece of art history.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #14: Tombstones
Art Movement
Social Realism
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 14 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$27727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

The Migration Series, Panel no. 13: The crops were left to dry and rot. There was no one to tend them.

The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.

Jacob Lawrence's tempera panel captures the stark reality of the Great Migration. Discover this powerful piece from his iconic series today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #15: The Migration Series, Panel no. 13: The crops were left to dry and rot.  There was no one to tend them.
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 15 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17731 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

The Migration Series, Panel no. 43: In a few sections of the South leaders of both Black and White communities met to discuss ways of making the South a good place to live.

The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.

Jacob Lawrence depicts community leaders meeting in this 1940-41 casein tempera panel. Explore this powerful piece of history today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #16: The Migration Series, Panel no. 43: In a few sections of the South leaders of both Black and White communities met to discuss ways of making the South a good place to live.
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 16 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The Migration Series, Panel no. 57: The female workers were the last to arrive north.

The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.

Jacob Lawrence depicts a woman working at a laundry in this powerful panel. Discover the depth of this historic masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #17: The Migration Series, Panel no. 57: The female workers were the last to arrive north.
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 17 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Migration Series No.37: Many migrants found work in the steel industry – Jacob Lawrence

1941 · The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. · original 45.7 x 30.5cm

Jacob Lawrence's dynamic cubism depicts molten metal in this powerful industrial scene. Discover this masterpiece from the Migration Series today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #18: Migration Series No.37: Many migrants found work in the steel industry
Color Palette
Earthy
View the artwork

Migration Series No.39: Railroad platforms were piled high with luggage

1941 · The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. · original 45.7 x 30.5cm

This bold tempera painting by Jacob Lawrence captures the heavy chaos of travel. Discover this powerful piece of history today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #19: Migration Series No.39: Railroad platforms were piled high with luggage
Art Movement
Modernism
View the artwork

Struggle Series - No. 10: Washington Crossing the Delaware, Jacob Lawrence

1954 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 30.5 x 40.6cm

Jacob Lawrence's dynamic cubism captures the bravery of nameless soldiers. Shop this powerful piece from the Struggle Series today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #20: Struggle Series - No. 10: Washington Crossing the Delaware
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 20 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17738 × 26 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$18441 × 31 cm Commission at original size

The Wedding, 1948, Jacob Lawrence

1948 · Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago

This vibrant mid-century tempera by Jacob Lawrence captures a rhythmic wedding scene. Discover this expressive masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #21: The Wedding
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 21 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$25235 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Taboo by Jacob Lawrence, 1963

1963 · Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia

Jacob Lawrence's 1963 painting Taboo features vibrant interracial wedding portraits. Discover the power of this social masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #22: Taboo
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 22 of 157 artworks by Jacob Lawrence
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$25231 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Migration Series No.59: In the North they had the freedom to vote (1941) by Jacob Lawrence

1941 · The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. · original 45.7 x 30.5cm

This somber tempera painting by Jacob Lawrence depicts the pursuit of voting rights. Discover this powerful piece from the Migration Series.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #23: Migration Series No.59: In the North they had the freedom to vote
Art Movement
Dynamic Cubism
Color Palette
Earthy
View the artwork

Jacob Lawrence, Migration Series No.31: The migrants found improved housing when they arrived north (1941)

1941 · The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. · original 30.5 x 45.7cm

This modernist tempera painting by Jacob Lawrence captures urban housing. Discover the power of this Migration Series masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #24: Migration Series No.31: The migrants found improved housing when they arrived north
Color Palette
Earthy
View the artwork

Migration Series No.23: The migration spread (1941)

1941 · The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. · original 30.5 x 45.7cm

This rhythmic Harlem Renaissance tempera painting by Jacob Lawrence captures a dense crowd. Discover the power of this iconic masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Lawrence ranked #25: Migration Series No.23: The migration spread
Art Movement
Harlem Renaissance
Color Palette
Earthy
View the artwork
The artist

Jacob Lawrence

1917 – 2000

Portrait of Jacob Lawrence
Quick facts
  • NationalityUnited States
  • Creative periodsmature period
  • Topics exploredharlem renaissance, people, biblical narrative, sermon, social commentary
  • Room fitliving room
  • Vibeinspirational
  • Color intensitybalanced, monochromatic
  • Top 3 worksMigration Series No.57: The female workers were the last to arrive north, The Library, Bar and Grill
  • Typical colorsearthy, neutrals
Biography

A Life Painted in Story: The World of Jacob Lawrence

Jacob Armstead Lawrence, born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1917, emerged as one of the most significant American artists of the 20th century. His life story is intrinsically woven into his art—a powerful narrative shaped by the realities of being African-American during a period of profound social change. Following his parents’ divorce in 1924, Lawrence experienced a childhood marked by movement and adaptation, spending time in foster care in Philadelphia before ultimately finding a home with his mother in Harlem during the vibrant years of the Harlem Renaissance. This immersion into the cultural heart of Black America would become the wellspring of his artistic vision. It was within the bustling streets and communal spirit of Harlem that Lawrence first encountered art, attending classes at Utopia Children’s House and later studying under Charles Alston at the Harlem Art Workshop—a formative experience that set him on a path to becoming a visual storyteller of unparalleled depth.

Dynamic Cubism: A Style Born of Experience

Lawrence didn't simply adopt artistic styles; he forged his own, famously describing it as “dynamic cubism.” This wasn’t an imitation of the European avant-garde but rather a unique synthesis of modernist principles and the lived experiences of his community. Influenced by the bold colors and flattened forms of African sculpture and Mexican muralists—artists who prioritized narrative and social commentary—Lawrence developed a visual language that was both strikingly modern and deeply rooted in Black culture. His paintings are characterized by strong, simplified shapes, vibrant color palettes, and a deliberate rejection of traditional perspective. This approach wasn’t merely aesthetic; it served to emphasize the emotional weight of his subjects and create a sense of immediacy and accessibility. He sought not to replicate reality but to distill its essence, capturing the spirit of a people and their history with unwavering honesty.

Chronicling History & Everyday Life

Lawrence’s artistic output is remarkable for its breadth and thematic consistency. He didn't focus on isolated portraits or landscapes; instead, he created sweeping series that tackled monumental historical events and the nuances of everyday Black life. His breakthrough came with The Migration Series, a powerful sequence of sixty panels depicting the Great Migration—the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to the industrial North in search of opportunity and escape from Jim Crow segregation. This work, begun in 1940-41, catapulted Lawrence to national recognition, earning him accolades and securing his place as a leading voice in American art. But The Migration Series was just the beginning. He went on to create equally compelling series dedicated to figures like Toussaint L’Ouverture, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman—transforming historical narratives into accessible visual stories. Beyond these grand historical cycles, Lawrence also found beauty and significance in the ordinary: scenes of barbershops, diners, and domestic life became canvases for exploring themes of community, resilience, and identity. His painting Bar and Grill, a stark depiction of segregation within a New Orleans café, exemplifies his ability to distill complex social realities into potent visual statements. Similarly, Victory and Defeat, with its imposing wall of cannonballs, commemorates the pivotal siege of Yorktown, Virginia, offering a nuanced reflection on American history.

Legacy & Enduring Influence

Jacob Lawrence’s impact extends far beyond his impressive body of work. He was not only an artist but also a dedicated educator, teaching at institutions like Black Mountain College and the University of Washington for sixteen years. Through his teaching, he nurtured generations of artists, encouraging them to find their own voices and explore themes relevant to their experiences. Lawrence paved the way for countless African-American artists who followed, challenging prevailing norms and expanding the boundaries of American art. His work continues to resonate today, prompting critical conversations about race, history, and social justice. Featured in prominent museums such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the University of Washington’s collection, his paintings serve as enduring testaments to the power of art to illuminate the human condition and inspire change. He left behind a legacy not just of beautiful images but of courageous storytelling—a visual chronicle of a people's journey toward freedom and self-determination.

Questions & Answers

Which artworks by Jacob Lawrence are the most viewed?

Statistics about Jacob Lawrence's works are available on the artist's Stats page.

What are the birth city and country of Jacob Lawrence?

Jacob Lawrence was born in Atlantic City, in United States.

In which historical period did Jacob Lawrence work?

Jacob Lawrence worked in the Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026
Collector's quiz
  1. Jacob Lawrence is best known for his depictions of:

  2. Lawrence referred to his artistic style as:

  3. Which of the following series is Jacob Lawrence famous for?

  4. Where did Jacob Lawrence teach art towards the end of his career?

  5. What movement is Jacob Lawrence associated with?

Keep exploring

Explore Jacob Lawrence

  • Biography & Works
  • All Artworks
  • Subject Atlas
  • The Mood Room
  • Palette Genome
  • 3D Museum
  • Most Popular Paintings
  • All Medium
  • Artwork Timeline
  • Stats
  • By Keywords
  • All Movements
  • Chronicle
  • Spectral Index
  • By Palettes
one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Jacob Lawrence

Every artwork by Jacob Lawrence in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by Jacob Lawrence

WikiOO.org

Curious about a painting, an artist, or a moment in art history? WikiOO is the world's largest online art encyclopedia — over 635,000 artworks with the artist stories, dates, and details behind them, all free to explore. No paywall, no pressure, just the answers you came for. Start your search now, and let one discovery lead you to the next.

Collection at a glance

  • 635,000+ documented artworks
  • 30,000+ artist biographies
  • 32 languages
  • est. 2015 — over a decade of continuous scholarship
Language
  • English
  • Français
  • Italiano
  • Español
  • Português
  • Deutsch
  • Polski
  • Română
  • Svenska
  • Nederlands
  • Українська
  • Magyar
  • Ελληνικά
  • Česky
  • Српски
  • Български
  • Dansk
  • Hrvatski
  • Suomi
  • Lietuviškai
  • Slovenščina
  • Eesti
  • Slovensky
  • Norsk
  • 中文
  • हिन्दी
  • العربية
  • 日本語
  • Türkçe
  • 한국어
  • Русский
  • Ქართული
Account
Login Dashboard Dashboard
Cart My Cart
Currency
    WikiOO.org © WikiOO.org - All Rights Reserved
    Contact Us · Privacy Policy · About Us
    Complete collection index
    W WikiOO Assistant Online · replies in a minute
    Hi! I can help you pick an artwork, track an order, or answer warranty questions. What brings you here?
    Prefer a human? Email us