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Marcelo Grassmann Most Popular Paintings

The 7 artworks by Marcelo Grassmann our visitors look at most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one.

Edition 2026 · 7 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Marcelo Grassmann · 1925 – 2013

Cavalo morto (1944)

1944 · Centro Cultural São Paulo, Sao Paulo

A haunting black and white drawing of a lifeless horse captures the somber, dreamlike essence of Marcelo Grassmann de Oliveira's 1944 work, inviting you to explore this evocative piece of Brazilian art history.

View the most popular artwork of Marcelo Grassmann ranked #1: Cavalo morto

Art Movement: Surrealism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 7 artworks by Marcelo Grassmann
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Figure of woman and dwarf

Museu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil, Brasília · original 33 x 24 cm

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 7 artworks by Marcelo Grassmann
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20228 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Cavalos, 1944, Marcelo Grassmann

1944 · Centro Cultural São Paulo, Sao Paulo

A dynamic monochrome drawing of a charging horse and rider by Marcelo Grassmann de Oliveira captures raw expressionistic movement from 1944, inviting you to explore this evocative piece of Brazilian art history.

View the most popular artwork of Marcelo Grassmann ranked #3: Cavalos

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 7 artworks by Marcelo Grassmann
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Horses – Marcelo Grassmann

1954 · Museu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil, Brasília · original 33 x 24 cm

A dreamlike 1954 drawing by Marcelo Grassmann de Oliveira captures the evocative movement of horses and figures in a surreal composition, inviting you to explore this unique piece of Brazilian mid-century art.

View the most popular artwork of Marcelo Grassmann ranked #4: Horses

Art Movement: Surrealism
Color Palette: Pastels

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 7 artworks by Marcelo Grassmann
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Marcelo Grassmann, Cavalos (1944)

1944 · Centro Cultural São Paulo, Sao Paulo

Explore Marcelo Grassmann de Oliveira’s ‘Cavalos’ (1944), a dynamic monochrome drawing of a charging horse & rider. Expressionistic style, raw texture, and evocative movement – a captivating Brazilian artwork.

View the most popular artwork of Marcelo Grassmann ranked #5: Cavalos

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 7 artworks by Marcelo Grassmann
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Blue warrior and spear

Museu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil, Brasília · original 46 x 60 cm

A striking blue warrior wielding a spear emerges from a dreamlike composition by Brazilian master Marcelo Grassmann de Oliveira, offering a surreal glimpse into a symbolic world ready to grace your collection.

View the most popular artwork of Marcelo Grassmann ranked #6: Blue warrior and spear

Art Movement: Surrealism

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 7 artworks by Marcelo Grassmann
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22960 × 46 cm Commission at original size

Woman with a figure of monster

Museu de Valores do Banco Central do Brasil, Brasília · original 33 x 41 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 7 artworks by Marcelo Grassmann
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18841 × 33 cm Commission at original size

The artist

Marcelo Grassmann

1925 – 2013

Quick facts

Vibedramatic
Room fitliving room
Works on APS7
Copyright statusUnder copyright
Best occasionsmood
Born1925, Sao Joao do Rio Preto, Brazil
Top 3 worksCavalo morto, Figure of woman and dwarf, Cavalos
Mediumsdrawing

Biography

Marcelo Grassmann de Oliveira: A Life in Engraving and Drawing

Born: September 23, 1925, São João do Rio Preto, Brazil
Died: June 21, 2013
Nationality: Brazilian
Known For: Engravings, Drawings, Metal Engraving, Wood Engraving

Early Life and Artistic Development

Initially pursued sculpture before discovering his passion for engraving in the 1940s.
Transitioned from wood engraving to metal engraving in the 1950s, marking a significant shift in his artistic practice.
Influenced by Austrian artist Alfred Kubin and prominent Brazilian engravers Oswaldo Goeldi and Livio Abramo. These influences shaped his early style and thematic concerns.
Developed a distinctive visual language characterized by dreamlike imagery and recurring motifs such as knights, maidens, death, horses, and crabs – often imbued with symbolic meaning.

Artistic Style and Major Themes

Dreamlike Imagery: Grassmann's work is renowned for its surreal and evocative atmosphere, transporting viewers to fantastical realms.
Recurring Motifs: The consistent presence of knights, maidens, death, horses, and crabs suggests a fascination with themes of mortality, chivalry, mythology, and the subconscious.
Technical Mastery: His engravings demonstrate exceptional technical skill, showcasing intricate detail and precise linework.
Symbolism: The figures and scenes in his work are often laden with symbolic meaning, inviting multiple interpretations.
Exploration of the Human Condition: Through his fantastical imagery, Grassmann explored universal themes of life, death, love, loss, and the search for meaning.

Recognition and Achievements

International Awards: Received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, including first prizes at the I Salon of Modern Art of Rio de Janeiro (1953), the III Biennale of São Paulo (1955), and the XXXI Biennale of Venice (1958) for sacred art.
Exhibitions: Participated in significant international exhibitions, including the III Biennale for Graphic Arts in Florence (1972).
Museum Collections: His works are held in prominent museum collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, the Museum of Fine Arts in Dallas, and the Pinacoteca do Estado in São Paulo.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Unique Contribution to Brazilian Art: Grassmann made a significant contribution to Brazilian art through his innovative approach to engraving and draughtsmanship.
Influence on Subsequent Artists: His unique style and technical skill have inspired generations of artists in Brazil and beyond.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage: His works serve as valuable documents of Brazilian culture and artistic expression, offering insights into the country's history and identity.
Enduring Appeal: Grassmann’s art continues to resonate with audiences today due to its timeless themes, captivating imagery, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Questions & Answers

Is there a chronological account of Marcelo Grassmann?

Marcelo Grassmann's career unfolds period by period on the artist's Chronicle page: a horizontal timeline of the artworks, grouped into career-period chapters.

Where are Marcelo Grassmann's artworks grouped by technique?

The All Medium page groups Marcelo Grassmann's artworks by technique.

Can I explore Marcelo Grassmann's works by subject?

Marcelo Grassmann's works can be explored by subject on the artist's Subject Atlas page.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

What was Marcelo Grassmann's initial artistic interest before focusing on engraving?
Which artist significantly influenced Marcelo Grassmann’s style?
What are some recurring motifs in Grassmann's engravings and drawings?
Which of the following institutions holds works by Marcelo Grassmann in its collection?

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 Marcelo Grassmann

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

All artworks by Marcelo Grassmann