1
List of the 8 Most Famous Paintings by Anne Ryan
Updated October 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 8 works by Anne Ryan in our catalogue
Summary
The most widely known painting by Anne Ryan is Number 14 (1948). The next entries are Untitled ( 36) (1948) and Untitled ( 461) (1952). The catalogue documents 8 works by Anne Ryan; the 8 entries below are the best known, listed in rank order with date, holding museum and description.
1889 – 1954, Hoboken
Abstract expressionism
Anne Ryan: the 10 principal paintings
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Untitled ( 424)
The artwork Untitled (424) by Anne Ryan is a quintessential example of Abstract Expressionism, a movement that revolutionized the art world in the mid-20th century. Created in 1953, this piece showcases Ryan's unique style and technique, which set her apart from her contemporaries. The Artist's Background Anne Ryan was an American artist born in 1889, who belonged to the early generation of New York School Abstract Expressionist artists. Her work…
Principal subjects in the work of Anne Ryan
The four subjects most frequently represented among these works, each with its best-known example.
Collage art 2 works
Anne Ryan: principal paintings by year
The dated works of Anne Ryan listed here span 6 years, from 1948 to 1953, a short period presented below year by year.
Works per year
Select a year to display its principal paintings.
1953
Untitled ( 424)
Age 64
1 work this year
The artwork Untitled (424) by Anne Ryan is a quintessential example of Abstract Expressionism, a movement that revolutionized the art world in the mid-20th century. Created in 1953, this piece showcases Ryan's unique style and technique, which set her apart from her contemporaries. The Artist's Background Anne Ryan was an American artist born in 1889, who belonged to the early generation of New York School Abstract Expressionist artists. Her work…
Anne Ryan's paintings: reference questions
Which painting by Anne Ryan is the most widely known?Display the answer
Number 14 (1948). The following entries are Untitled ( 36) (1948) and Untitled ( 461) (1952).
What was the age of Anne Ryan when Number 14 was painted?Display the answer
59 years: Anne Ryan was born in 1889 and Number 14 is dated 1948.
How many works by Anne Ryan are documented?Display the answer
The catalogue records 8 works by Anne Ryan, dated between 1948 and 1953.
In which period were Anne Ryan's best-known works painted?Display the answer
In 1948: 2 of the 8 works listed on this page are dated to that period, including Number 14.
Which are the earliest and latest dated works by Anne Ryan on this list?Display the answer
The earliest dated work listed here is Number 14 (1948); the latest is Untitled ( 424) (1953).
With which art movement is Anne Ryan associated?Display the answer
Abstract expressionism, as documented by the works on this page.
Are reproductions of paintings by Anne Ryan available?Display the answer
Yes. Each work listed on this page can be ordered from its own entry as a hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, in a size of your choice.
Anne Ryan: biographical notes
Early Life and Education
- Born: Hoboken, New Jersey, 1889
- Parents: Both parents died when Ryan was a teenager.
- Education: Attended the Academy of St Elizabeth Convent for high school and early college. Left before graduating to marry William McFadden.
- Marriage and Family: Married attorney William McFadden in 1911; they separated in 1923. Had three children, Elizabeth, William Jr., and Thomas.
- Early Literary Pursuits: Frequented art and literary circles in New York's Greenwich Village neighborhood. Published a novel, *Raquel*, as well as a volume of poetry, *Lost Hills*.
Artistic Development and Influences
- European Sojourn: Lived in Majorca and Paris (1931-1932).
- Beginnings in Painting: Began painting in 1938, had her first solo exhibition in 1941 at the Pinacoteca.
- Atelier 17: Joined Stanley William Hayter's Atelier 17 (1941), a printmaking workshop, and created prints.
- Key Turning Point – Kurt Schwitters: In 1948, saw the collages of Kurt Schwitters at the Rose Fried Gallery in New York City. This profoundly influenced her artistic direction. She recognized a visual equivalence to her poetry in Schwitters' work.
- Focus on Collage: Dedicated herself primarily to collage from 1948 until her death, producing over 400 pieces.
- Materials Used: Incorporated diverse materials into her collages including silk, netting, handmade rag paper, and Japanese rice paper. Many works were mounted on handmade paper by Douglas Morse Howell.
Artistic Style and Techniques
- Collage as Primary Voice: Found collage to be her primary artistic medium.
- Small-Scale Works: Most of her collages were small, averaging roughly eight by six inches.
- Juxtaposition of Textures: Juxtaposed small squares of different materials to highlight their distinct textures and densities.
- Color Palette: Employed pastel colors in her compositions.
- Relationship with Writing: Maintained a permeable relationship between artmaking and writing, though she favored the latter for most of her life. Wrote "Lines to a Young Painter."
Recognition and Legacy
- Exhibitions: Had three exhibitions at the Betty Parsons Gallery in the 1950s, solidifying her reputation.
- Critical Reception: Early critical responses noted the "feminine" qualities of her work.
- Posthumous Recognition: An exhibition of her collages was shown at the Brooklyn Museum and traveled to several other institutions including the National Collection of Fine Arts in Washington, D.C.
- Association with Abstract Expressionism: Belonged to the early generation of New York School abstract expressionist artists.
- Daughter's Artistic Career: Her daughter, Elizabeth McFadden, is also an artist.