the collector's folio

Robert Colescott Most Popular Paintings

The 8 artworks by Robert Colescott our visitors look at most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one.

Edition 2026 · 8 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Robert Colescott · 1925 – 2009

Saturday Night Special (I Seen it on T.V.) (1988) by Robert Colescott

1988 · Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk · original 213 x 182 cm

A vibrant and satirical depiction of social chaos and media violence by American master Robert H. Colescott captures the complexity of modern life in this bold 1988 painting, perfect for collectors seeking a powerful statement.

View the most popular artwork of Robert Colescott ranked #1: Saturday Night Special (I Seen it on T.V.)

Art Movement: Contemporary Art
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 8 artworks by Robert Colescott
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1272182 × 213 cm Commission at original size

Knowledge of the Past Is the Key to the Future: Some Afterthoughts on Discovery, Robert Colescott

1986 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 229 x 290 cm

Explore Robert Colescott's satirical masterpiece 'Knowledge of the Past Is the Key to the Future,' examining colonial history and its impact on American identity through fragmented imagery and diverse figures.

View the most popular artwork of Robert Colescott ranked #2: Knowledge of the Past Is the Key to the Future: Some Afterthoughts on Discovery

Art Movement: Contemporary Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 8 artworks by Robert Colescott
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Listening to Amos and Andy by Robert Colescott, 1982

1982 · Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk · original 213 x 182 cm

A vibrant and satirical gathering of figures unfolds in Robert H. Colescott's 1982 masterpiece Listening to Amos and Andy, capturing a lively scene that invites you to explore this iconic piece of American art history.

View the most popular artwork of Robert Colescott ranked #3: Listening to Amos and Andy

Art Movement: Contemporary Art
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 8 artworks by Robert Colescott
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1272182 × 213 cm Commission at original size

Robert Colescott: Saturday Night Special (I Seen it on T.V.)

Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk · original 213 x 182 cm

Experience Robert Colescott's vibrant satire of modern life with this lively depiction of social chaos; discover a masterpiece of American genre painting today.

View the most popular artwork of Robert Colescott ranked #4: Saturday Night Special (I Seen it on T.V.)

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 8 artworks by Robert Colescott
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1272182 × 213 cm Commission at original size

A Taste of Gumbo (1990)

1990 · Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, San Francisco

View the most popular artwork of Robert Colescott ranked #5: A Taste of Gumbo

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 8 artworks by Robert Colescott
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Last Rights The Spirits of the Dead are Watching by Robert Colescott

original 214 x 183 cm

View the most popular artwork of Robert Colescott ranked #6: Last Rights The Spirits of the Dead are Watching

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 8 artworks by Robert Colescott
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1284183 × 214 cm Commission at original size

Robert Colescott: Pac Man (The Consumers Consumed)

original 213 x 183 cm

View the most popular artwork of Robert Colescott ranked #7: Pac Man (The Consumers Consumed)

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 8 artworks by Robert Colescott
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1278183 × 213 cm Commission at original size

Knowledge of the Past Is the Key to the Future: Some Afterthoughts on Discovery (1986) by Robert Colescott

1986 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york

View the most popular artwork of Robert Colescott ranked #8: Knowledge of the Past Is the Key to the Future: Some Afterthoughts on Discovery

Color Palette: Monochrome

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 8 artworks by Robert Colescott
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Robert Colescott

1925 – 2009

Quick facts

Copyright statusUnder copyright
Typical colorsespresso
Top-ranked workSaturday Night Special (I Seen it on T.V.)
Room fitrestaurant
Creative periodsmature period
Lifespan84 years
Works on APS8
Top 3 worksSaturday Night Special (I Seen it on T.V.), Knowledge of the Past Is the Key to the Future: Some Afterthoughts on Discovery, Listening to Amos and Andy

Biography

african american satire in the art world

robert h. colescott, an american painter born in oakland, california in 1925, left an indelible mark on the art world with his satirical genre and crowd subjects. his works, often reflecting on being african american, convey exuberance, comicality, or bitterness, offering a unique perspective on the human experience.

early life and influences

colescott's artistic journey began under the tutelage of fernand léger in paris. this foundational training not only honed his skills but also broadened his understanding of the art world, influencing his satirical approach.

notable works and collections

- **the museum of modern art** (new york) - a testament to colescott's acclaim, his work is featured in this prestigious institution. - **the corcoran gallery of art** - his presence in this collection underscores his significance in american art history. - **san francisco museum of modern art**, **museum of fine arts, boston**, **hirshhorn museum and sculpture garden**, **baltimore museum of art**, and **cystal bridges museum of american art** - these institutions, among others, have recognized colescott's contributions to the art world.

artistic style and themes

- satirical genre: colescott's use of satire to reflect on african american experiences is a hallmark of his work. - crowd subjects: his incorporation of crowd subjects adds depth to his satirical pieces, offering nuanced commentary.

legacy

robert h. colescott passed away in 2009, but his legacy endures through his impactful artworks, now part of many major public collections. his influence on the art world, particularly in the realm of satire and african american representation, remains unparalleled.

view colescott's works at https://WikiOO.org/@/robert-h-colescott
explore more on satirical art and its significance in the art world through /en/art/list/
discover other influential artists at https://WikiOO.org/@@/d3alaz-discovering-the-artworks-of-newnham-college-cambridge-united-kingdom

Questions & Answers

Can I browse Robert Colescott's works by color palette?

The By Palettes page groups Robert Colescott's artworks by their color palettes.

Where are Robert Colescott's artworks grouped by technique?

The All Medium page groups Robert Colescott's artworks by technique.

Can I explore Robert Colescott's works by keyword?

To find works by Robert Colescott on a specific theme, use the artist's By Keywords page, which groups the artworks by keyword.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 17, 2026

Collector's quiz

In what year was Robert Rauschenberg born?
Which movement is Robert Rauschenberg most closely associated with?
What key characteristic defines Rauschenberg's 'Combines'?
Robert Rauschenberg received which prestigious award in 1995?
Where did Robert Rauschenberg spend a significant portion of his later life?

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 Robert Colescott

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

All artworks by Robert Colescott