Top list · Abstract Expressionism
1929 – 1976
Jackson Pollock's Number 1, 1949 (1950), Willem de Kooning's Woman I (1950–1952), Jackson Pollock's Autumn Rhythm. Number 30, 1950 (1947–1950), Paul Klee's To Parnassus (1932, Kunstmuseum Bern) and Jasper Johns's Map (1961, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)): these are the most famous Abstract Expressionism paintings. Below, all 100 of them — painted from 1929 to 1976 by 36 artists — with their date, their size and the museum that keeps them.
Top 100
Artist, date, original size, museum and the price of a reproduction for every painting.
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
240 × 120 cm1950Paint on canvas
Rejecting traditional easel painting, Pollock laid his canvases directly on the floor, allowing him to approach the work from all sides. Emerging in post-World War II America, Abstract Expressionism reflected a cultural shift towards individualism and existential questioning. Pollock’s work, in particular, broke free from European artistic traditions, establishing New York as a new center for avant-garde art.
Detailssplattersall-over compositionlayering of paint
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
147 × 192 cm1950–1952Oil on canvas
De Kooning employed vigorous brushstrokes, layering thick impasto – visible texture created by thickly applied paint – to build up the surface. “Woman I” remains one of the most significant and influential paintings of the 20th century.
Detailsenergetic brushworkvibrant color palettedistorted form
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
1947–1950Oil and enamel paint on canvas (likely)
Created during Pollock’s most celebrated “drip period” (1947-1950), this artwork exemplifies his revolutionary technique. The painting’s creation coincided with documented sessions by photographer Hans Namuth, offering invaluable insight into Pollock’s working process.
Detailstextural depthdripped linesall-over composition
Paul KleeAbstract Expressionism
126 × 100 cm1932TemperaKunstmuseum Bern
Central to the composition is a luminous orange circle, reminiscent of a sun or moon, symbolizing energy, enlightenment, and the passage of time.
Detailsgeometric shapessun/moonmountain/pyramid
Jasper JohnsAbstract Expressionism
1961Oil on canvasMuseum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York City
While often associated with Pop Art due to its use of recognizable imagery, Map exists in a fascinating liminal space between movements. The act of painting over the map also suggests an attempt to redefine or reimagine America itself.
Detailsvibrant colorsfragmented map outlines
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
Oil on canvas
The artwork's rich palette of warm tones —deep reds, oranges, and yellows—blends seamlessly with cooler shades of green, blue, and white. This harmonious fusion creates a gradient effect that adds depth and dimension to the composition.
Detailsdynamic compositionbold, vibrant colorsfluid shapes
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
1957Oil on canvas
The painting Parc Rosenberg, created in 1957, presents a visual study of color and form through a deliberate reduction in complexity. In the background, a person is visible, though their specific features remain indiscernible.
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
1950Oil & enamel paintThe Museum of Modern Art
Created during a period of intense experimentation in his East Hampton studio, the painting reflects Pollock’s desire to tap into the subconscious mind.
Detailsdrip technique
Jasper JohnsAbstract Expressionism
137 × 170 cm1959Oil on canvas
The artwork is divided into sections filled with overlapping layers of paint, creating a sense of depth and complexity. Johns ' technique involves thick impasto brushstrokes, with paint applied in a manner that emphasizes the physical act of painting itself.
Detailsexplosive, frenetic patches of colorbold colors and dynamic brushstrokesstenciled color labels with mismatched names
Franz KlineAbstract Expressionism
203 × 254 cm1956Oil on canvasWhitney Museum of American Art, New York
The work eschews traditional representation to instead offer a raw, kinetic energy that vibrates with the pulse of mid-century urban life. The brilliance of Kline’s technique lies in his ability to orchestrate what might initially appear as spontaneous disorder.
Francis BaconAbstract Expressionism
1969Oil on canvas
The subject is seated within a geometric framework, evoking a sense of confinement and introspection. The work reflects the artistic rivalry and deep friendship between Bacon and Freud, who were introduced in 1945 by artist Graham Sutherland.
Detailsgeometric cage-like structure enclosing the figureexaggerated facial features and melancholic expressionbright color palette compared to typical Bacon works
Barnett NewmanAbstract Expressionism
242 × 513 cm1950Oil paint on canvas
The presence of this massive canvas remains anchored in New York City. To experience the work in person, one must travel to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
1951
Born Markus Yakovlevich Rothkowitz in Latvia, Rothko (1903-1970) immigrated to the United States as a child. “Three” emerged during a period of significant artistic upheaval in New York City.
Detailsblack) on a dark backgroundthree rectangular blocks of color (deep redmaroon
Jasper JohnsAbstract Expressionism
1959Oil on canvas
Created in 1959, this mixed-media assemblage moves beyond a static representation of temperature by incorporating a live measuring tool. This piece belongs to the Neo- Dada movement, a period that bridged Abstract Expressionism with early Pop Art and Minimalism.
Detailsbold Colorsdynamic Brushstrokesvertical Division
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
Oil on canvas
The painting employs a vibrant yet subtly muted color palette dominated by black, white, yellow, orange, blue, and red. Viewers often interpret Convergence as a reflection of inner states, raw emotion, or simply an exploration of pure form and color.
Detailsvibrant color paletteall-over compositiondrip technique
Gerhard RichterAbstract Expressionism
Oil on canvas
Subtle hints of blue, green, and white add contrast and visual interest, enhancing the overall vibrancy. Gerhard Richter's mastery of texture is evident in this piece.
Detailslayered paintorganic linesbold colors
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
Oil on canvas
It's a piece designed not to be ‘looked at,’ but felt. Unlike the gestural brushstrokes favored by Pollock or the fragmented figures of de Kooning, Rothko’s paintings are defined by their smooth, almost meditative surfaces.
Detailslayered paintbold colors
Clyfford StillAbstract Expressionism
1951Oil on canvas
In this work, Clyfford Still confronts the viewer with a massive scale, measuring 117 inches in height and 192 inches in width. The rights to this work belong to the City and County of Denver.
Arshile GorkyAbstract Expressionism
186 × 249 cm1944Oil on canvasBuffalo AKG Art Museum
These colors aren’t blended smoothly but applied in broad, flat areas, creating visual tension and enhancing the painting's energetic quality. Created during World War II, this artwork reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of the era.
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
Oil on canvas
Jackson Pollock's "Number 1A" is a quintessential example of Abstract Expressionism, a movement that redefined American art in the mid-20th century. The artwork presents an abstract composition characterized by chaotic, energetic brushstrokes and a dense accumulation of lines and textures.
Detailsearthy color palettechaotic brushstrokesdense accumulation of lines
Marc ChagallAbstract Expressionism
168 × 88 cm1952Oil on canvas
This unique synthesis defines Chagall’s signature style, setting him apart as a truly original voice in modern art. Even the musicians playing instruments contribute to the celebratory atmosphere while hinting at communal joy. Created in the aftermath of World War II, this artwork can be interpreted as a hopeful expression of renewal and resilience within the Jewish community.
Detailsscroll/Torahred Orbmusicians
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
205.7 × 254.6 cm1950Oil on canvasArt Institute of Chicago
De Kooning boldly rejects conventional artistic boundaries in Excavation. While resolutely abstract, Excavation isn’t devoid of suggestive power. The overall impression is one of dynamic tension—a struggle between order and chaos, construction and destruction.
Georgia O'KeeffeAbstract Expressionism
Oil on canvas
The painting exemplifies O'Keeffe's signature abstract expressionism, characterized by organic forms that seem to dance across the canvas. This piece predates her famous flower paintings and New Mexico landscapes, offering a glimpse into the evolution of her artistic vision.
Detailsharmonious blend of cool and warm colorscentral blue oval shaperhythmic flow across the canvas
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
Mark Rothko's ‘Autumn’ is not a depiction of the season in any traditional sense; it is, rather, an exploration of emotional resonance through the simplest of forms.
Joan MiróAbstract Expressionism
205 × 173 cm1967Oil on canvasFundació Joan Miró, Barcelona
Created in 1967, this monumental oil on canvas measuring 205 x 173 cm resides at the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona, Spain—a location that underscores its significance within the artist’s legacy and the broader canon of modern art.
Robert MotherwellAbstract Expressionism
Oil on canvas
Born in Aberdeen, United States, in 1915, Motherwell developed a visual language centered on the interaction of form and void. Robert Motherwell continued to develop his specific aesthetic until his death in 1991.
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
203 × 176 cm1970National Gallery of Art, Washington
Mark Rothko, one of the 20th century's most influential figures in art, is inextricably linked with his monumental color field paintings. At its core, ‘Blue and Gray’ is defined by its stark simplicity and deliberate ambiguity.
Detailscolor fielddichotomy
Paul KleeAbstract Expressionism
37 × 36 cm1929Oil on cardboard
It eschews realistic representation, instead focusing on the interplay of geometric shapes – primarily rectangles – arranged in a dynamic, layered composition. The overall effect is one of controlled energy and subtle tension.
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
243 × 121 cm1948Synthetic resin paints on fiberboard panel
While devoid of recognizable imagery, No. 5, 1948 is rich in symbolic potential. Some see echoes of Native American sand paintings, reflecting Pollock’s early exposure to Indigenous art forms.
Joan MiróAbstract Expressionism
The limited yet vivid color palette —featuring pinks, oranges, purples, and golds—enhances the visual impact, creating a dynamic contrast against the neutral background. Miró’s pioneering approach to abstract art challenged traditional aesthetics, emphasizing spontaneity and personal expression.
Detailsvibrant Accentssymbolic Detailslayered Composition
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
1966Oil on canvas
This 1966 work by Willem de Kooning captures a moment of harmonious vocalizing, where the figures emerge from a thicket of pigment. This early focus on the human presence shifts into a more intense, visceral language during the early 1950s.
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
1949–1950Oil on canvasMuseum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York
What sets No. 5/ No. 22 apart is Rothko’s unique application of paint. Created in the aftermath of World War II, No. 5/ No. 22 reflects a broader cultural mood of anxiety and existential questioning.
Detailsrectangular color fieldsgouged texture with white lines
Richard DiebenkornAbstract Expressionism
Oil paints on canvas
Woman at Table in Strong Light is a painting by Richard Diebenkorn. He remained a significant figure in American painting until his death in 1993. The work centers on a single figure seated at a table.
Gabor PeterdiAbstract Expressionism
75 × 101 cm1971Drypoint print
The resulting image is a study in tonal range, achieved through various shades of gray. This work reflects the principles of abstract expressionism, prioritizing the physical act of mark-making to convey energy.
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
112 × 137 cm1949Oil on canvas
Emerging in post-World War II America, this style rejected traditional representational art, instead prioritizing spontaneous gesture and emotional expression. What truly sets Number 6 apart is Pollock’s groundbreaking “drip” or "pouring" technique.
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
Oil on canvas
While seemingly simple – a large canvas dominated by deep gray – this piece is a powerful exploration of color, form, and emotional resonance. It’s not about what is depicted, but rather how the viewer feels in its presence.
Detailsgrayscale tonefull-field application of paintlack of texture
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
77 × 57 cm1948Enamel & oilMOCA, Los Angeles
“Number 3” gained considerable acclaim upon its debut at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) retrospective exhibition in New York City in 1956—a recognition that underscored Pollock’s impact on the art world and solidified his status as a visionary artist.
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
1966Oil paint on canvasTate Gallery
Executed in 1966-7, The Visit emerged during a period of intense artistic experimentation following World War II. The purchase of The Visit by Tate Gallery in 1969 solidified its place within the institution's collection—a pivotal moment in British art history.
Clyfford StillAbstract Expressionism
1976Oil on canvas
PH-1007 is an oil on canvas painted by Clyfford Still. The work emerged in 1976, a period of late-career intensity for the artist. It exists today within the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver, CO.
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
1958
Emerging in post-World War II America, Abstract Expressionism represented a radical departure from representational art. The choice of red and black is far from arbitrary. Mark Rothko's impact on modern art is undeniable.
Detailsrectangular blocks of colorblurred lozenge shapes
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
122 × 97 cm1954Oil on canvasMOMA - Museum of Modern Art, New York City
Created with thick impasto layers, this piece showcases the artist’s physical engagement with the canvas. These contrasting hues create a lively visual rhythm, evoking feelings of tension, excitement, and unrest. While non-representational, the artwork’s vigorous gestures and layered textures symbolize the complexity of human emotion —inner turmoil, exuberance, and the chaos of modern life.
Detailsvibrant color palettedensechaotic composition
William BaziotesAbstract Expressionism
107 × 92 cm1947Oil paint on canvas
The canvas titled Pierrot is a work by the American painter William Baziotes. In this work, Baziotes strips the traditional character of the commedia dell’arte down to its skeletal essence. In 1947, he produced The Falcon.
Adolph GottliebAbstract Expressionism
97 × 64 cm1961Oil paint on canvas
A pale beige void holds the weight of a silent collision. In the upper reaches, a crimson circle sits with heavy, quiet gravity. This approach defines the Blast Series, where the canvas captures the moment of release.
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
141 × 81 cm1950Oil on canvasTate Gallery
This decision aligns with the broader trajectory of Abstract Expressionism —a movement that sought to liberate painting from constraints imposed by Western European tradition. As documented in Wikipedia, Rothko’s work has been subjected to extensive scholarly debate and interpretation.
Jasper JohnsAbstract Expressionism
Likely oil paints on canvas
The artwork presents a dense field populated by repeated numbers encased within irregularly shaped, overlapping squares. The style leans heavily into Abstract Expressionism’s emphasis on non-representational imagery, yet hints at Cubist fragmentation through the deconstruction of space and form.
Detailsrepetition of numbers within square blocksredblue color scheme
Paul KleeAbstract Expressionism
Oil on cardboardKunstmuseum Bern
Ancient Sound, Abstract on Black (1924) is a remarkable example of Klee's exploration of abstraction. Abstract expressionism emerged in the United States in the aftermath of World War II and gained mainstream acceptance in the 1950s.
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
1940Oil on canvas
The painting utilizes oil paints on canvas, a standard medium for Abstract Expressionists. However, De Kooning pushed the boundaries of technique by employing aggressive brushstrokes and layering paint extensively to achieve unparalleled textural depth.
Franz KlineAbstract Expressionism
268 × 198 cm1959Oil paint on canvasMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Employing thick brushstrokes applied with confidence, Kline achieved a palpable sense of physicality. Critics compared his paintings to calligraphy, recognizing Kline’s astute awareness of artistic traditions beyond Western painting.
William BaziotesAbstract Expressionism
64 × 109 cm1951Oil on canvas
In Desert Landscape, William Baziotes moves away from the literal to find the essence of a terrain. The subject matter remains abstractly suggestive, offering the feeling of a wasteland without the burden of detail.
Clyfford StillAbstract Expressionism
1957Oil on canvas
Created in 1957, PH-160 by Clyfford Still exists as a field of pure color. The blue carries a weight that anchors the composition, while the yellow provides a sharp, sudden light.
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
442 × 299 cm1953Oil on canvasGuggenheim Museum Bilbao
This sense of instability followed his family when they emigrated to the United States in 1913, eventually settling in Portland, Oregon. This specific canvas, created around 1953, resides within the permanent collection of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Gerhard RichterAbstract Expressionism
1968Painting
This biographical context is crucial to understanding the painting’s emotional resonance. This technique subtly suggests the fallibility of memory, the way in which experiences can be distorted or obscured over time.
Detailsbold brushstrokescolor & texture
Clyfford StillAbstract Expressionism
1956Oil on canvas
Created in 1956, this oil on canvas composition operates through a language of fractured planes and intense chromatic tension. The work avoids representational forms, opting instead for a structural arrangement of blue and white fields.
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
1960Oil on canvas
De Kooning described his inspiration: "Just coming around roads, some place, and having the sensation of a piece of it, a piece of nature, like a fence, something on the road.
Henri MatisseAbstract Expressionism
296 × 154 cm1950Paper collage on canvas
The title, translating to “The Beasts of the Sea,” hints at an aquatic theme, though Matisse eschews literal representation. Following surgery in 1947, Matisse was largely confined to a wheelchair.
Agnes MartinAbstract Expressionism
1961Oil on canvas
The Islands by Agnes Martin is a minimalist abstract composition centered around a large, slightly off-center square. Within the boundaries of this square, a denser arrangement of smaller, vertically oriented marks or dots creates an internal grid pattern.
Paul KleeAbstract Expressionism
1937–1940Watercolor and gouache
At first glance, the painting presents a deceptively simple scene – a stylized depiction of plant growth. The circles within “Curious to How Plants Grow” are laden with symbolic significance.
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
1960Oil on canvasWhitney Museum, NY
The brushwork isn’t precise; it’s raw, spontaneous, and imbued with an almost palpable sense of urgency. The painting's creation coincided with a period of significant artistic ferment, following the dominance of Abstract Expressionism and preceding the rise of Postmodern art.
Detailsexpressive brushwork
Adolph GottliebAbstract Expressionism
1945Oil paint on canvas
Created about 1945, this piece belongs to a period in which the artist explored abstraction and symbolic representation. Adolph Gottlieb was born in New York City, United States, in 1903 and died in 1974.
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
247 × 605 cm1943Oil on canvasUniversity of Iowa Museum
Drip Painting Redefined – Pollock's signature “drip painting” technique is on full display here. Pollock’s work, alongside that of artists like Willem de Kooning and Mark Rothko, helped establish New York as the global center of modern art.
Detailsdrip paintingstampede
Cy TwomblyAbstract Expressionism
241 × 200 cm1970Oil based house paint and wax crayonGalleria Civica di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Torino, Turin
The work is rooted in abstract expressionism, utilizing a specific vocabulary of gestural marks that emerged from Twombly's evolving aesthetic. In 2012, it was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in New York for $17.4 million. The artist's evolution is marked by distinct stylistic shifts, moving from the gestural energy of Cold Stream (1966) toward the more graphic, restrained language of the "blackboard" period.
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
1958Oil on canvas
The composition is defined by its verticality, where large, rectangular fields of color appear to hover and vibrate against a dark, atmospheric background. In an era of increasing fragmentation, this painting offers a rare moment of unity and spiritual resonance.
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
Oil on canvasMoMA
This innovative method allowed for a dynamic interplay of lines and colors, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. Today, his works can be found in prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, including The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Mark RothkoAmerican Abstract Expressionism
Canvas
His family, led by his father Jacob, eventually emigrated to the United States in 1913. White Center, dating from about 1950, offers a different approach to the interaction of light and pigment.
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
148 × 119 cm1951Enamel on canvasChrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk
The period coincided with a renewed interest in surrealism, fueled by his exposure to the works of artists like Joan Miró and Max Ernst. The recurring presence of faces within “Number 23” is particularly intriguing.
Detailsdrip techniquefigures
Gerhard RichterAbstract Expressionism
Oil painting
Artists like Richter deliberately eschewed traditional compositional rules, prioritizing gesture and color to convey feelings rather than depicting recognizable subjects. A German visual artist known for his diverse body of work.
Clyfford StillAbstract Expressionism
1944Oil paint
The artist, who was born in 1904 in Grandin, United States, developed a visual language that moved away from the depiction of recognizable imagery in favor of exploring the fundamental properties of the medium.
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
203 × 178 cm1949Oil on canvasArt Institute of Chicago
This creates an immersive experience, making the artwork feel as though it is still in a state of becoming.
Paul KleeAbstract Expressionism
1937–1940Painting
Characteristic of Klee’s oeuvre, “Three Flowers” exemplifies his distinctive style—a blend of geometric abstraction and lyrical expressionism. Klee's decision to relocate to Murnau in 1937 coincided with a resurgence of interest in Germanic folklore and mythology.
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
179 × 203 cm1959Oil on canvas
It's deliberately unsettling, mirroring the anxieties and uncertainties prevalent in postwar America. Abstract Expressionism arose as a reaction against the formalism of European Modernism, rejecting intellectual abstraction for visceral emotional expression.
William McTaggartAbstract Expressionism
Oil on paper (presumed)
However, McTaggart's unique style retains a distinctly Scottish sensibility – a deep connection to the dramatic landscapes of his homeland. William McTaggart (1835-1910) was a leading figure in Scottish painting, renowned for his emotive depictions of rural life and landscapes.
Detailsdramatic color paletteemotional intensityturbulent brushstrokes
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
Oil on canvasNational Gallery of Art, Washington
Untitled 142, painted in 1968, exemplifies Rothko's mature style and his exploration of emotional depth through color. Untitled. 1969-70 | MoMA Mark Rothko - An Overview of Rothko's Abstract Expressionism … ‘Untitled‘, Mark Rothko, 1969 | Tate
Jackson PollockAbstract Expressionism
1948Oil & enamel paintMOMA - Museum of Modern Art, New York City
The painting’s genesis lies within Pollock’s revolutionary “drip” technique – a method he meticulously developed over years. At first glance, “Number 1” appears to be an explosion of color and form – a swirling vortex of seemingly random marks.
Detailsdrip techniqueblack lines
Paul KleeAbstract Expressionism
1937–1940
Painted sometime between 1937 and 1940, during his prolific period in Murnau, Bavaria—a location deeply imbued with the spirit of Expressionism —this artwork exemplifies Klee's signature approach to abstraction, prioritizing feeling over precise representation.
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
1954Oil on canvas
It's a powerful statement about the complexities of identity and the human condition. De Kooning’s engagement with Marilyn Monroe reflects a broader trend in post-war art – the incorporation of popular imagery and themes into high art.
Detailswhites)gestural brushstrokesimpasto texture
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
1938Oil on canvas
Painted in 1938 during a period of intense social and political upheaval – a time when the anxieties of war were beginning to surface – this large-scale oil painting captures not just a physical space but also an emotional landscape.
Detailsbold colorsgeometric forms
Paul KleeAbstract Expressionism
1938Pigmented paste on newspaperMOMA - Museum of Modern Art, New York City
Paul Klee, a Swiss-born German painter (1879-1940), was celebrated for his unique blend of expressionism, cubism, and surrealism. Born on December 18, 1879, in Munchenbuchsee, Switzerland, Paul Klee was the second child of two musical parents.
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
1940Oil on canvas
Created during the early, anxious years of World War II, the painting breathes the atmosphere of global upheaval. While it avoids explicit narrative, the woman’s posture acts as a metaphor for resilience amidst adversity.
František KupkaAbstract Expressionism
Salvador DalíAbstract Expressionism
1963Oil on canvasReynolds Morse Foundation
The style prioritizes gesture and spontaneity—a deliberate rejection of academic conventions—resulting in a dynamic composition dominated by swirling shapes and textures. The title itself hints at a deliberate departure from straightforward storytelling.
Elaine de KooningAbstract Expressionism
76 × 58 cm1946Oil on canvas
In this 1946 oil on canvas, titled Elaine de Kooning Self Portrait, the artist is depicted within a domestic setting. The composition places the subject centrally, framed by the domestic elements of the room.
Ad ReinhardtAbstract Expressionism
198 × 198 cm1953Oil & temperaWhitney Museum of American Art, New York
The technical mastery behind this piece lies in Reinhardt’s meticulous application of tempera on linen. To understand “Number 17,” one must understand Reinhardt’s radical philosophical mission.
Detailsblue backgroundyellow squares
Grace HartiganAbstract Expressionism
176 × 226 cm1953Oil on canvas
Grace Hartigan painted River Bathers in 1953. This large oil on canvas measures 176 x 226 cm. It was gifted to the institution, arriving in the collection through an anonymous donation in 1954.
Norman BluhmAbstract Expressionism
206 × 291 cm1972Oil paint on canvas
In 1962, the work Mathematics emerges, capturing a specific moment in his development. The piece Eudocia from 1967 offers a glimpse into his evolving visual language, followed closely by Acheron in 1971.
Philip GustonAbstract Expressionism
1958
Last Piece is not Guston's last Abstract Expressionist painting, but it represents a transition away from the shimmering forms of the early 1950s towards the recognizable motifs of his later, more figurative works.
Minor WhiteAbstract Expressionism
27 × 34 cm1949Photographic film
Lobos Sandstone, Slit, and Shadow is a photograph by Minor White. Created about 1949, the work captures a geological formation of sandstone. Through the lens of Minor White, the sandstone becomes a landscape of light and void.
Larry RiversAbstract Expressionism
Mixed media (drawing, painting, collage)
Those who Fire, Those Who Run is an artwork by the American artist Larry Rivers. Born in 1923 in The Bronx, United States of America, Rivers developed a practice that bridged the gap between Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art.
Isami DoiAbstract Expressionism
5 × 8 cm1952Painting
In this 1952 work, a group of at least thirteen figures occupies a shared space, their bodies caught in various states of action. The composition is dense, pulling the eye through a landscape where human presence and animal motion intersect.
Aaron SiskindAbstract Expressionism
21 × 34 cm1950Photograph
To understand the trajectory of Siskind's vision, one might look toward Bronx I, created in 1950. Later, between 1972 and the 1980s, he developed the Homage to Franz Kline series.
Mark RothkoAbstract Expressionism
1960Oil on canvasNational Gallery of Art
These aren’t simply colors; they are vessels for feeling, radiating an almost palpable sense of sorrow and unresolved conflict. As documented by art critic Arthur Danto, who wrote extensively about Rothko’s work, “Antigone” reveals the artist's deliberate process.
Detailsnude figurescolor field
Willem de KooningAbstract Expressionism
46 × 37 cm1950Oil and metallic paint
A heavy, sun-drenched yellow dominates the canvas, a thick field of light that feels more like heat than color. Figures emerge from the brushwork—limbs and torsos caught in a frantic, fragmented dance.
Richard DiebenkornAbstract Expressionism
František KupkaAbstract Expressionism
Salvador DalíAbstract Expressionism
1965Oil on canvasDalí Theatre-Museum
“Night in the Hotel” is not about literal representation; it’s about conveying a specific mood, a feeling—a sense of disorientation and unease. Furthermore, the title “Night in the Hotel” is deliberately ambiguous.
Detailsdripping black figures
Henri MatisseAbstract Expressionism
Oil paints on canvas
This striking still life presents a fascinating anomaly within Henri Matisse's prolific oeuvre. Born in 1869, Henri Matisse initially trained in traditional academic painting. However, Tulips and Oysters on Black Background suggests an artist continually experimenting and pushing boundaries.
Elaine de KooningAbstract Expressionism
1952Oil on canvas
The Bacchus series began in 1976, drawing from the twisting, dynamic forms of classical sculpture. Between 1985 and 1988, she produced the Cave Walls series, a collection of works that looked back toward the primal origins of mark-making.
Barnett NewmanAbstract Expressionism
1960Oil on canvas
"3. The dimensions of the artwork are 78 x 58 inches, and it is currently housed in a private collection. As part of the Abstract Expressionism movement, "3.
Robert MotherwellAbstract Expressionism
122 × 183 cm1952
Black and yellow dominate the surface, creating a visual tension between shadow and light. The composition relies on these two primary tones to establish its presence. A large flower shape anchors the center of the canvas.
Claes OldenburgAbstract Expressionism
Likely ink, watercolor, or mixed media on paper
The layered application of color and line creates a textured, layered effect, emphasizing spontaneity and emotional intensity over precise realism.
Detailsgestural styleenergetic line workvibrant color palette
Index
Abstract Expressionism99 · 1929–1976
American Abstract Expressionism1
Locations
100 paintings: 4 in New York City, 3 at the MOMA - Museum of Modern Art.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Kunstmuseum Bern
National Gallery of Art
Tate Gallery
The Museum of Modern Art
Fundació Joan Miró
MOCA
Whitney Museum
Artists
1903–1970 · Latvia · 15
American Abstract Expressionist known for luminous, layered color field paintings of soft edges and large, rectangular blocks of color.
6. No.1, 13. Three, 17. Red and Orange, 24. AUTUMN, 27. Blue and Gray, 32. No. 5 No. 22, 36. Abstract painting, 40. Four Darks in Red, 44. No. 10, 51. Untitled (Seagram Mural), 62. No. 10 (Brown Black Sienna on Dark Wine, 64. Untitled 146, 72. Untitled 142, 76. Entrance to Subway, 91. Antigone
1912–1956 · United States · 13
American Abstract Expressionist known for rhythmic drip techniques and all-over compositions, using sticks and knives to fling liquid paint.
1. Number 1, 1949, 3. Autumn Rhythm. Number 30, 1950, 8. One. Number 31, 1950, 15. Convergence, 20. Number 1A, 29. No. 5, 1948, 35. Number 6, 37. Number 3, 41. White Light, 60. Mural, 63. Saint, 65. Number 23, 1951, 73. Number 1
1904–1997 · Netherlands · 13
Dutch-American Abstract Expressionist known for visceral, gestural depictions of the human form and thick, textured impasto layers.
2. Woman I, 7. Park Rosenberg, 22. Excavation, 31. Women Singing II, 38. The Visit, 47. Seated Woman, 54. A Tree in Naples, 58. Door to the River, 68. Untitled (verso: Untitled), 70. Merritt Parkway, 75. Marilyn Monroe, 78. Seated woman 2,1940, 92. Abstraction
1879–1940 · Switzerland · 7
Swiss-German Bauhaus artist of rhythmic abstraction, delicate watercolors, and musical forms, known for his scientific approach to color theory.
4. To Parnassus, 28. Fire evening, 46. Ancient Sound, Abstract on Black, 57. Curious to How Plants Grow, 69. Three Flowers, 74. Castle with Setting Sun, 77. Heroic Fiddling
1904–1980 · United States · 5
American Abstract Expressionist known for monumental color fields and jagged, textured planes of paint applied with a palette knife.
· United States · 4
American Neo-Dadaist using encaustic wax to transform familiar flags, targets, and maps into textured explorations of visual perception.
5. Map, 9. False Start, 14. False Start, 45. Numbers in Color
· Germany · 3
German visual artist known for blurring photorealistic portraits and creating abstract works using a signature squeegee technique.
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In order: Number 1, 1949 (Jackson Pollock), Woman I (Willem de Kooning), Autumn Rhythm. Number 30, 1950 (Jackson Pollock), To Parnassus (Paul Klee), Map (Jasper Johns), No.1 (Mark Rothko), Park Rosenberg (Willem de Kooning), One. Number 31, 1950 (Jackson Pollock), False Start (Jasper Johns) and Mahoning (Franz Kline).
24 of these 100 paintings are available hand-painted in oil, from $187, and 24 as a canvas print, from $44.
Jackson Pollock's Number 1, 1949 (1950) is the most famous Abstract Expressionism painting and No. 1 of this ranking, ahead of Willem de Kooning's Woman I (1950–1952), Jackson Pollock's Autumn Rhythm. Number 30, 1950 (1947–1950) and Paul Klee's To Parnassus (1932, Kunstmuseum Bern).
The painters with the most works in this list are Mark Rothko (15), Jackson Pollock (13), Willem de Kooning (13), Paul Klee (7) and Clyfford Still (5).
The MOMA - Museum of Modern Art holds 3 of the 100, followed by the Whitney Museum of American Art (2) and the Art Institute of Chicago (2). New York City is the city with the most: 4.
The biggest is Jackson Pollock's Mural (1943, University of Iowa Museum) at 247 × 605 cm; the smallest, Isami Doi's Somewhere There Is a Mountain Called Parnassus (1952) at 5 × 8 cm.
Of the 100 paintings, 70 are in oil, 2 in tempera or tempera and oil, and 0 are frescoes painted on the wall. 1 are on wooden panels and 64 on canvas.
Start with New York City (4), New York (4) and Washington (2): together they hold 10 of the 100, at the MOMA - Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Art Institute of Chicago.
The earliest is Paul Klee's Fire evening (1929) (1929); the latest, Clyfford Still's PH-1007 (1976) (1976).
Each painting is ranked by how widely it is known: the number of Wikipedia language editions with an article on it (Wikidata sitelinks), its place in our catalogue's manual ranking and the visits its page receives. The same painting catalogued several times counts once, and details, copies and studies are left out.
Order
24 of the 100 are in stock as hand-painted oil reproductions, from $187. Trade and volume orders welcome.
Which paintings: all Abstract Expressionism paintings in our catalogue. In which order: the best-known first — counted by Wikipedia articles in different languages, our own ranking and page visits. Each painting once; no details, copies or studies.
Famous Impressionism paintings
Water Lilies · Claude Monet
Famous Baroque paintings
Las Meninas · Diego Velázquez
Famous Romanticism paintings
Liberty Leading the People · Eugène Delacroix
Famous Realism paintings
Nighthawks · Edward Hopper
Famous Dutch Golden Age paintings
The Girl with a Pearl Earring · Johannes Vermeer
Famous Neoclassicism paintings
Napoleon at the St. Bernard Pass · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Post-Impressionism paintings
Starry Night · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Expressionism paintings
The Scream · Edvard Munch
Famous Academic Art paintings
The Birth of Venus · Alexandre Cabanel
Famous Rococo paintings
The Swing · Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Famous Surrealism paintings
The Persistence of Memory · Salvador Dalí
Famous Symbolism paintings
The Wounded Angel · Hugo Simberg
500–1000
Famous Early Medieval paintings
The Night Revels of Han Xizai · Gu Hongzhong
1000–1300
Famous High Medieval paintings
Crucifix · Cimabue
1300–1400
Famous Late Medieval paintings
Madonna in Maest · Giotto
1400–1600
Famous Renaissance paintings
Mona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
1600–1800
Famous Early Modern paintings
The Girl with a Pearl Earring · Johannes Vermeer
1800–1900
Famous 19th Century paintings
Starry Night · Vincent van Gogh
1900–1980
Famous Modern paintings
Guernica · Pablo Picasso
1980–
Famous Contemporary paintings
Girl with Balloon · Banksy
