Robert Motherwell (1915-1991), alongside Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, made up the quartet of abstract painters that radically defined Modern painting in America and established New York City as the new center of the art world.
Motherwell was the unofficial spokesman of the New York School, writing and lecturing prolifically on behalf of the movement, his fellow artists, and the merits of abstraction.
His work appears in museum collections around the world and is instantly recognizable for its boldness and black forms. Yet in addition to his impressive paintings, Motherwell is also revered as a printmaker. He is one of the most innovative and prolific printmakers of the 20th century. He was always searching for new techniques, whether at his own printmaking atelier or collaborating with others, to expand his ideas and express his aesthetic.
"The Persian II" was created in 1985 at Tyler Graphics, one of Motherwell's most frequent collaborators.
This bold aquatint is classic Motherwell; an imposing black form resembling a thick brushstroke, spilled ink, or even tar, is set against a dense field of rust. These intense colors are contrasted with a soft but saturated periwinkle blue.
Beyond the strength of the palette are the intriguing forms and shapes. When joined together, the tension between the two conflicting elements offers an unexpected sense of balance and symmetry to the otherwise spontaneous composition.
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720. Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.
"The Persian II"
USA, 1985
Aquatint, lift-ground etching, and aquatint on Whatman paper
Signed and numbered AP II/X by the artist
From an edition of 70
27.25"H 23"W (work)
30.5"H 25.75"W (framed)
Framed with museum glass
Very good condition.
Published by Tyler Graphics Ltd.
Provenance: Kasmin (NYC) / The Dedalus Foundation
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