Willem de Kooning was a Dutch-American abstract expressionist painter. He was born on April 24, 1904, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and died on March 19, 1997, in East Hampton, New York, United States. De Kooning was one of the leading figures of the abstract expressionist movement, which emerged in New York City in the 1940s and 1950s.De Kooning's early work was influenced by European modernism, particularly the works of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. He moved to the United States in 1926 and settled in New York City. In the 1930s, de Kooning worked for the Federal Art Project, a part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided employment to artists during the Great Depression.In the late 1940s, de Kooning began to experiment with abstraction, developing his signature style characterized by energetic brushwork, gestural marks, and a dynamic interplay of color and form. He often incorporated figurative elements in his abstract compositions, creating a sense of ambiguity and tension.De Kooning gained recognition for his series of "Woman" paintings, created between the 1940s and 1950s. These works depicted female figures in an aggressive and distorted manner, reflecting a sense of both admiration and anxiety towards women. They were seen as a response to the changing roles of women in post-war America.Throughout his career, de Kooning's style evolved and diversified. He explored different techniques and subjects, incorporating landscape, still life, and portraiture in his work. His later paintings became more simplified and focused on large, sweeping brushstrokes and bold color.De Kooning's contributions to abstract expressionism and his influential role in the art world earned him numerous awards and accolades. His works can be found in major museums and collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City and the Tate Modern in London.Willem de Kooning's legacy as an artist continues to inspire and influence generations of painters. His bold and expressive approach to painting and his ability to push the boundaries of abstraction have made him an important figure in 20th-century art.
Printed circa 1960s.
Measures 6.75 x 4.6.

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.