the collector's folio

Robert Motherwell Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Robert Motherwell our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Robert Motherwell · 1915 – 1991

Elegy to the Spanish Republic No. 110

1971 · Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York

Explore Robert Motherwell's 'Elegy to the Spanish Republic No. 110,' a poignant abstract expressionist work reflecting grief and remembrance through stark black & beige forms.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Iberia

1958 · Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Bilbao · original 226 x 178 cm

Robert Motherwell's 'Iberia' (1958) is an emotionally charged abstract expressionist painting, reflecting grief and the spirit of Spain through layered textures and a haunting monochrome palette.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1314226 × 178 cm Commission at original size

Composition

1950 · MAM Rio, Rio de Janeiro · original 60 x 75 cm

A striking black and white study of tree branches set against a vibrant yellow background defines this 1950 Abstract Expressionist composition by Robert Motherwell, inviting you to bring his bold vision into your home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$28075 × 60 cm Commission at original size

Mallarme's Swan

1944 · Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · original 111 x 90 cm

Explore Robert Motherwell's 'Mallarme’s Swan,' a vibrant abstract expressionist masterpiece from 1944, featuring swirling blues, yellows & circles – a poignant tribute to the French poet.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$44190 × 111 cm Commission at original size

Open No. 122 in Scarlet and Blue

1969 · Tate Modern, London

Robert Motherwell's 'Open No. 122 in Scarlet and Blue' (1969) is an iconic Abstract Expressionist painting featuring bold red hues and striking blue squares, reflecting themes of grief and resilience.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17734 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

The Golden Fleece

Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk · original 172 x 518 cm

This JSON provides comprehensive information about Robert Motherwell’s masterpiece ‘The Golden Fleece,’ including its description, size, date, artist biography, related Wikipedia articles, online art galleries (iArtPrints.com), and a detailed breakdown of the artwork's characteristics. Explore Robert Motherwell's iconic 'The Golden Fleece,' a monumental oil painting capturing the mythic journey o

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17755 × 18 cm Commission this artwork

Bullseye

1973 · Bavarian State Painting Collections, Munich · original 81.5 x 66.5cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$30767 × 82 cm Commission at original size

The Juley Collage

1974 · Bavarian State Painting Collections, Munich · original 183.0 x 92.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$32728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$79092 × 183 cm Commission at original size

Guillotine

1966 · Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17738 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Elegy to the Spanish Republic 132

1975

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Wall Painting III

1952 · original 122 x 183 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$799183 × 122 cm Commission at original size

Mail Figure

1959 · The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The Voyage: Ten Years After

1961 · Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Bilbao · original 175 x 523 cm

A dynamic Abstract Expressionist masterpiece featuring bold black and blue accents on a vibrant yellow field by Robert Motherwell, offering a powerful window into 1960s modernism for your private collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17755 × 18 cm Commission this artwork

La Danse II

1952 · original 153 x 193 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1006193 × 153 cm Commission at original size

The Figure 4 on an Elegy

1960 · original 58 x 73 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27373 × 58 cm Commission at original size

Ulysses

1947 · original 86 x 71 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$32871 × 86 cm Commission at original size

Elegy to the Spanish Republic, - (54)

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Open No. 121 (Bolton Landing Elegy)

1969 · original 442.0 x 243.8cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Western air

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Figure in Black (Girl with Stripes)

1947 · original 61 x 50 cm

Explore Robert Motherwell’s ‘Figure in Black,’ a striking 1947 abstract expressionist painting. Bold lines, layered textures & symbolic forms evoke mystery. Discover this unique artwork.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23850 × 61 cm Commission at original size

Scottish Ballad

1990 · original 92 x 61 cm

Explore Robert Motherwell’s ‘Scottish Ballad,’ a vibrant abstract expressionist piece featuring blue hues & musical motifs. A dynamic, textured oil painting – perfect for art collectors.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$31361 × 92 cm Commission at original size

Black in Hiding

1976

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17734 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Collage No. 2

1945 · original 56 x 38 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21138 × 56 cm Commission at original size

Yellow Music

1984 · original 101 x 76 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$37376 × 101 cm Commission at original size

Monster (for Charles Ives)

1959 · original 199 x 300 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 69 artworks by Robert Motherwell
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Robert Motherwell

1915 – 1991

Quick facts

Emotional tonemelancholic
Art periodModern
Movementsabstract expressionism
NationalityUnited States
Died1991
Typical colorsneutrals
Top 3 worksElegy to the Spanish Republic No. 110, Iberia, Composition
Museums on APSTate Modern, National Gallery of Australia, Whitney Museum of American Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Biography

Robert Motherwell: A Legacy of Grief and Bold Vision

Robert Motherwell (January 24, 1915 – July 16, 1991) stands as one of the most influential figures in American Abstract Expressionism, a movement that irrevocably altered the course of twentieth-century art. Born in Aberdeen, Washington—a town steeped in Scottish heritage—Motherwell’s early life was marked by asthma and a profound connection to the Pacific Northwest landscape, shaping his artistic sensibility from its inception. His father, Robert Burns Motherwell II, a banker with aspirations for California, instilled in him a determination that would propel him through academic pursuits and ultimately define his creative trajectory.

Early Education & Influences: Motherwell’s formative years were spent at Stanford University where he immersed himself in philosophy alongside fellow modernist Arthur Oncken Lovejoy and David Wite Prall. This intellectual grounding profoundly impacted his artistic vision, fostering a fascination with literature—particularly Mallarmé, Joyce, Poe, and Paz—that would permeate his oeuvre.
The Surrealist Encounter: A pivotal moment arrived in 1940 when Motherwell relocated to New York City and enrolled at Columbia University under Meyer Shapiro’s guidance. Shapiro introduced him to the vibrant world of Parisian Surrealists – Max Ernst, André Breton, Wolfgang Paalen—and crucially, encouraged him to embrace “automatic” drawing as a method for accessing the subconscious.

The Elegies Series and Formal Innovation

Motherwell’s artistic breakthrough came in 1949 with the commencement of his iconic *Elegies to the Spanish Republic* series—a monumental undertaking comprising over one hundred oil paintings and numerous sketches. This series, born from a deep engagement with the political turmoil surrounding Francoist Spain, represents Motherwell's most enduring contribution to art history. The Elegies are characterized by their stark simplicity: densely packed black ink blots on white paper, meticulously crafted to convey profound emotional resonance. These canvases embody his mastery of formal innovation—a deliberate rejection of traditional perspective and a commitment to exploring the expressive potential of gesture and texture.

Technique & Composition: Motherwell’s technique involved layering ink blots onto paper, creating textured surfaces that seemed to pulsate with latent energy. The resulting compositions are deliberately ambiguous, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of loss, grief, and existential contemplation.
Influence on Contemporaries: His work exerted considerable influence on fellow Abstract Expressionists like Helen Frankenthaler and Jackson Pollock, fostering a dialogue about the role of emotion in artistic expression.

Beyond Elegies: Exploring Landscape and Collage

While the Elegies series cemented Motherwell’s reputation as a master of emotive abstraction, his artistic exploration extended beyond this singular project. He consistently revisited themes of landscape—particularly the Californian hills—drawing inspiration from the expansive vistas that nurtured his childhood imagination. Furthermore, he experimented with collage techniques, incorporating found materials into his canvases to create layered textures and visual narratives. His sketchbook from Mexico—a collaborative effort with Roberto Matta—demonstrates a shift toward more spontaneous graphic cadences, reflecting Paalen’s influence on his artistic process.

Mexican Sketchbook: The sketchbook captures the essence of Paalen's studio environment and reflects Motherwell's evolving approach to drawing, moving away from analytical observation towards intuitive gesture.
Collaborations & Artistic Dialogue: His collaborations with artists like Matta and Paalen fostered a dynamic artistic dialogue that enriched his oeuvre and broadened the scope of Abstract Expressionism.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Robert Motherwell’s legacy transcends mere stylistic innovation; he articulated a profound philosophical stance on art's capacity to confront mortality and grapple with complex emotional realities. His unwavering dedication to exploring these themes—coupled with his masterful command of formal language—established him as one of the foremost voices of his generation, securing his place among the titans of twentieth-century art. He died in Provincetown, Massachusetts in 1991, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire artists and scholars alike, ensuring his enduring influence on the history of modern art.

Questions & Answers

What moods do Robert Motherwell's artworks express?

Robert Motherwell's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.

In which historical period did Robert Motherwell work?

Robert Motherwell worked in the Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

Can I explore Robert Motherwell's works by color spectrum?

Robert Motherwell's works can be explored by color on the artist's Spectral Index page.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Oct. 8, 2026

Collector's quiz

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