Record Sale of Willem de Kooning's 'Two Women'

A Milestone in Art Sales

Willem de Kooning's 'Two Women'

In 1984, a significant event in the art world occurred when Willem de Kooning's painting 'Two Women' was sold for a staggering $1,980,000. This sale marked a pivotal moment as it set a record for a contemporary artwork and for a living artist at that time. De Kooning, a key figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement, had created a work that resonated with both collectors and art enthusiasts, showcasing his unique style characterized by bold colors and dynamic brushwork.

The Impact of the Sale

The sale of 'Two Women' was not just significant due to its price; it also represented a shift in the perception of contemporary art. Prior to this, many artworks were deemed less valuable compared to their historical counterparts. However, this sale demonstrated that the works of living artists could command prices that rivaled those of classical masters. This milestone eventually influenced the market for modern art, creating a thriving landscape for both collectors and investors alike.

Willem de Kooning's Legacy

Career Overview of Willem de Kooning

Willem de Kooning was born in 1904 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and later moved to the United States. He became one of the leading figures in Abstract Expressionism, a movement that emphasized spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. His work bridged the gap between figuration and abstraction, and 'Two Women' is a quintessential example of this balance, blending recognizable forms with expressive color and texture.

The Artistic Style of 'Two Women'

'Two Women' features abstract forms of two female figures, rendered in de Kooning's characteristic energetic brush strokes. The figures, while abstracted, exude a sense of presence and emotion, capturing de Kooning's complex relationship with femininity and abstraction. This piece not only highlights his technical prowess but also invites viewers into a dialogue about the representation of women in art.

Fun Fact

A Record-Setting Achievement

Interestingly, Willem de Kooning would go on to break his own record several times after the sale of 'Two Women', reflecting the increasing appreciation for his work and the broader movement of contemporary art.