Provenance

Dedalus Foundation, Inc.

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The image shows bold black strokes and splatters on a white background in an abstract composition. The dark lines and blotches create a pair of figures sitting back-to-back with fluid shapes extending upwards and to the sides. A dense, horizontal line runs across the upper portion, resembling a horizon. Scattered dots and finer lines give a sense of splattering ink. The artwork conveys an abstract scene with potential resemblances to a bridge or entwined dancers.
Robert Motherwell, Black Shapes, 1961, gouache on paper, The Nancy Lee and Perry Bass Fund, 1999.55.2

Black Shapes

Robert Motherwell · 1961 · gouache on paper ·  Accession ID  1999.55.2

Robert Motherwell, Summertime in Italy, 1960, oil paint and black pencil on wove paper, The Nancy Lee and Perry Bass Fund, 1999.55.4

Summertime in Italy

Robert Motherwell · 1960 · oil paint and black pencil on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1999.55.4

The image features bold geometric shapes and lines against a textured backdrop. There are large black and red abstract forms, some resembling shields or banners, others triangles. Green patches resembling foliage and swirling lines are also present. The blue background contrasts with the vivid colors, similar to a sky behind the shapes that could be abstract trees or flags in a gusty wind.
Robert Motherwell, Reconciliation Elegy, 1977, acrylic paint and graphite with collage on canvasboard, Gift of the Dedalus Foundation, 2004.9.3

Reconciliation Elegy

Robert Motherwell · 1977 · acrylic paint and graphite with collage on canvasboard ·  Accession ID  2004.9.3

The image displays a series of overlapping black and brown lines and shapes on a blue background. The lines and shapes are arranged in a horizontal band, with rough and expressive outlines that suggest motion or struggle.
Robert Motherwell, Untitled (Elegy Sketch for National Gallery Mural), 1977-1980, felt-tip pen and pen and ink on blue wove paper, Gift of the Dedalus Foundation, 2004.9.5

Untitled (Elegy Sketch for National Gallery Mural)

Robert Motherwell · 1977-1980 · felt-tip pen and pen and ink on blue wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.9.5

The image displays curved and flowing lines in a rectangular arrangement, creating an abstract composition. The shapes bend and twist, resembling flowing ribbons or swirling tendrils. The lines create an imaginative scene reminiscent of natural forms like vines or wind currents, conveying movement within the static plane.
Robert Motherwell, Untitled (Elegy Study), c. 1977, black felt-tip pen and graphite on wove paper, Gift of the Dedalus Foundation, 2004.9.6

Untitled (Elegy Study)

Robert Motherwell · c. 1977 · black felt-tip pen and graphite on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.9.6

The image shows wavy, vertical, and horizontal lines in shades of reddish-brown and orange, arranged in a rectangular shape across the central area of the canvas. The lines intertwine and overlap, creating an impression that resembles a series of elongated and distorted capital letters. The lines give an appearance akin to branches or tendrils reaching upward or outspread across the paper.
Robert Motherwell, Mural Sketch [pen and ink], 1977, sepia pen and ink on heavy wove paper, Gift of the Dedalus Foundation, 2004.9.2

Mural Sketch [pen and ink]

Robert Motherwell · 1977 · sepia pen and ink on heavy wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.9.2

The image displays a central geometric shape composed of irregular quadrilaterals and trapezoids created by overlapping pieces of paper outlined by contrasting pencil lines. The abstract composition is set against a backdrop of rough, textured blue and white. The various papers include a "GLASS Handle with Care" label and another label resembling a racing ticket. Darker pencil lines, including a star shape, embellish the background.
Robert Motherwell, Untitled, 1955, collage, oil, and pencil on board, The Nancy Lee and Perry Bass Fund, 1999.55.6

Untitled

Robert Motherwell · 1955 · collage, oil, and pencil on board ·  Accession ID  1999.55.6

This painting shows bold, sweeping black lines and splashes of bright orange paint against a neutral background. The shapes formed by the lines and colors suggest human figures, with orange clusters resembling bodies. Behind the orange shapes are black scribbles and curving lines. There are two large patches of black paint over some of the orange area on the left side.
Robert Motherwell, Pregnant Nude Holding a Child, 1953, black ink and orange watercolor on wove paper, The Nancy Lee and Perry Bass Fund, 1999.55.3

Pregnant Nude Holding a Child

Robert Motherwell · 1953 · black ink and orange watercolor on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1999.55.3

The image features a rectangle with alternating red, white, and blue stripes positioned at an angle within the frame. Surrounding this shape are irregular blotches of brown and white intersected by splashes and strokes of black.
Robert Motherwell, Tricolor, 1959, oil and collage on paper, The Nancy Lee and Perry Bass Fund, 1999.55.5

Tricolor

Robert Motherwell · 1959 · oil and collage on paper ·  Accession ID  1999.55.5

This painting is mostly black and gray, with a strong, black outline near the center showing the bottom and sides of a square. The right side of the painting is mostly light stone-gray, while the left side is black or very dark gray. The colors blend together in thick brushstrokes and vertical drips. The gray section is textured with thick brushstrokes and dots of paint.
Robert Motherwell, In Plato's Cave No. 1, 1972, acrylic on canvas, The Nancy Lee and Perry Bass Fund, 1999.1.1

In Plato's Cave No. 1

Robert Motherwell · 1972 · acrylic on canvas ·  Accession ID  1999.1.1