Robert Motherwell

Robert Motherwell was a painter, author, collage maker, and printmaker known as one of the earliest Abstract Expressionist artists. His early work was inspired by the Surrealist method of painting through the subconsciousness, but Motherwell is most known for his abstracted work incorporating historical and literary references. Dublin 1916, with Black and Tan refers to the 1916 Irish uprising against the British with black and tan representing British soldier’s uniforms.  The tapestry, Burnt Sienna, visually recalls Motherwell’s automatic and expressive gestures of his paintings; however, the spontaneous look is juxtaposed by the carefully planned and executed medium of tapestry.

Title: Burnt Sienna
Date: 1968
Medium: handwoven wool
Dimensions: 120.75 x 98 inches
Accession Number: P66.1.2
Location: North Concourse

Title: Dublin 1916, with Black and Tan
Date: 1964
Medium: oil and acrylic on canva
Dimensions: 84 x 204 inches
Accession Number: P66.1.2
Location: Corning Tower Concourse Level

This record is a work in progress. If you have additional information or spotted an error, please send feedback to Curatorial & Visitor Services.

Reproduction of the images contained on this page is not permitted without express permission.  If you would like to reproduce an image of a work of art in the collections overseen by the New York State Office of General Services, or an image of an OGS publication or archival material, please contact Curatorial & Visitor Services.