Willem de Kooning (1904–1997) was a Dutch-American painter and a leading figure in Abstract Expressionism. Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, he studied at the Rotterdam Academy of Fine Arts before immigrating to the United States in 1926. Settling in New York, he became part of the postwar avant-garde movement, gaining recognition in the 1940s and 1950s. His work blended abstraction with figurative elements, often featuring gestural brushwork and bold colors. His Woman series (1950s) is among his most famous works, characterized by expressive depictions of the female form.
In later years, he experimented with more fluid and simplified compositions. Despite struggling with Alzheimer’s disease in his final years, he continued creating art into the 1980s. De Kooning remains one of the most influential modern artists of the 20th century.
Willem de Kooning’s paintings are among the most valuable in the art market, with several selling for tens or even hundreds of millions.
Interchange (1955) – $300 million (Private Sale, 2015) – The most expensive de Kooning painting ever sold. Purchased by billionaire Ken Griffin in a private sale. Known for its vibrant colors and gestural brushwork.Woman III (1953) – $137.5 million (Private Sale, 2006) – Part of his famous Woman series, this painting was sold to hedge fund manager Steven A. Cohen.Untitled XXV (1977) – $66.3 million (Auction, 2016) – A large-scale abstract piece from his later period, sold at Christie’s.Police Gazette (1955) – $63.5 million (Private Sale, 2006) – Another significant work from the 1950s, sold in the same deal as Woman III.Untitled (1977) – $40 million (Auction, 2018) – Reflects his return to abstraction, characterized by sweeping, energetic brushstrokes.Woman as Landscape (1955) – $40 million (Auction, 2018) – Another notable painting from the Woman series, showing de Kooning’s signature fusion of abstraction and figuration.Pink Lady (Woman) (1944) – Estimated over $35 million – A precursor to his Woman series, blending surrealism and abstraction.Orestes (1947) – Estimated over $30 million – A work from his early abstract period, before fully developing his signature gestural style.Two Women (1952) – Estimated over $25 million – Another striking piece from his Woman series, exploring movement and expression.Untitled V (1983) – $24.9 million (Auction, 2013) – A later work showcasing his looser, more fluid painting style.
De Kooning’s works remain highly sought after, with collectors and museums willing to pay record prices for his dynamic, expressive paintings.
Willem de Kooning (1904–1997) was a Dutch-American painter and a leading figure in Abstract Expressionism. Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, he studied at the Rotterdam Academy of Fine Arts before immigrating to the United States in 1926. Settling in New York, he became part of the postwar avant-garde movement, gaining recognition in the 1940s and 1950s.…
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