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, editing a journal, and lecturing on behalf of the movement, his fellow artists, and the merits of abstraction. 

While Motherwell's contribution to the art historical canon as a painter is undisputed, his role as a printmaker is arguably as important. Motherwell is one of the most experimental and courageous printmakers of the 20th century. He was always searching for new techniques to express or expand his ideas and aesthetic.

"Basque Suite", is a series of 10 iconic screenprints. The group features Motherwell's signature ink black gestural forms complemented by dense stretches of monochromatic color and breaks of negative space. 

This print is a paradigm of Motherwell's oeuvre: aggressive black forms create a confidant abstract arrangement, softened by decorative shades of green and tangerine.

The complete set of "Basque Suite" can be found in many museum's permanent collections including the Tate.

Click here for another example from this iconic series.

Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720. Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.

"Basque Suite #2, Untitled B"

USA, 1971

Screenprint on J.B. Green paper 

Initialed and numbered in pencil by the artist 

From an edition of 150

 

41"H 28.25"W (sheet)

Published by Marlborough Graphics, Inc. London.

Very good condition

Note: This work is sold unframed.