Arnulf Rainer

Austrian, 1929 - 2025

Explore selected works

The image shows a T-shaped form made of fine dark lines with an arching curve across the center. The lines resemble strands of hair or a waterfall, creating a dense texture in the shape. The T contrasts with the lighter background, highlighting its linear patterns reminiscent of natural elements.
Arnulf Rainer, Blue Cross, 1981, drypoint in blue on wove paper, Gift of the Collectors Committee, 2004.5.4

Blue Cross

Arnulf Rainer · 1981 · drypoint in blue on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.5.4

This is a photograph of a person with added abstract paint elements. The black and white photograph has been altered with bold strokes of paint. Thick black and olive-green paint smears horizontally across the midsection of the composition, intersecting with a vertical stroke that obscures the face. The muted palette of the painted elements contrasts with the black and white tones of the photograph. The intersecting strokes of paint and their transparency suggest motion and energy. The signing in the top right corner adds a personal touch to the composition, merging painting and photography into a single cohesive work.
Arnulf Rainer, Untitled, c. 1975, gelatin silver print with paint, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2001.67.182

Untitled

Arnulf Rainer · c. 1975 · gelatin silver print with paint ·  Accession ID  2001.67.182

The image depicts a central figure surrounded by a tangled web of intersecting lines and scribbles. The dark lines form an abstract pattern over the figure, resembling a web or thicket. Within this abstraction, a person with a serene expression and partially extended arms can be seen.
Arnulf Rainer, Untitled, 1973, gelatin silver print with paint and scratching, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2001.67.181

Untitled

Arnulf Rainer · 1973 · gelatin silver print with paint and scratching ·  Accession ID  2001.67.181

The image shows a network of intersecting black lines and shapes, forming a dense mass with a chaotic appearance. The arrangement of lines resembles a tangled ball of threads or wires. The overlapping and crossing lines convey movement and complexity. Some lines extend beyond the central mass, adding visual rhythm and depth.
Arnulf Rainer, Stalks, 1971, drypoint in black on wove paper, Gift of the Collectors Committee, 2004.5.5

Stalks

Arnulf Rainer · 1971 · drypoint in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.5.5

The image shows an abstract composition with dark, swirling lines and strokes at the center of the canvas. The lines and shapes create movement and depth.
Arnulf Rainer, Covered Girl (Überdecktes Mädchen), 1970, color drypoint on wove paper, Gift of the Collectors Committee, 2004.5.6

Covered Girl (Überdecktes Mädchen)

Arnulf Rainer · 1970 · color drypoint on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.5.6

The image shows a central shape made of overlapping black lines arranged in an elongated, rounded rectangle with rough edges. The background is light and neutral.
Arnulf Rainer, Tomb Figure, 1956, etching in black on wove paper, Gift of the Collectors Committee, 2004.5.7

Tomb Figure

Arnulf Rainer · 1956 · etching in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.5.7

The image depicts a series of intersecting black lines forming a grid pattern, with a larger rectangular shape at the top and a narrower one extending downward. The lines create a dense, abstract composition with a crosshatched texture, resembling architectural scaffolding or a stylized lighthouse structure. The artwork conveys complexity and repetition through its concentration of lines, evoking connections to everyday constructions or industrial frameworks.
Arnulf Rainer, Tabernacle, 1956, etching in black on wove paper, Gift of the Collectors Committee, 2004.5.8

Tabernacle

Arnulf Rainer · 1956 · etching in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.5.8