Willem de Kooning’s Meteoric Rise, Record-Breaking Sales, Glamour and Drama

BY MARK ANDERSON

Willem de Kooning, a luminary of Abstract Expressionism, not only revolutionized the art world with his bold, gestural paintings but also saw his works sell for astronomical sums, cementing his legacy as one of the most financially successful artists of the 20th century. His life, a whirlwind of artistic triumphs, personal dramas, and glamorous highs, reads like a compelling narrative of passion, struggle, and ultimate acclaim.

Record-Breaking Sales

De Kooning’s masterpieces have fetched record-breaking prices, captivating collectors and connoisseurs alike. In November 2006, American business magnate David Geffen sold de Kooning’s “Woman III” to hedge fund manager Steven A. Cohen for a staggering $137.5 million.

This transaction was just shy of the record at the time, which involved the same players for Jackson Pollock’s “No. 5, 1948,” sold for $140 million. Just a month earlier, Cohen had acquired another de Kooning piece, “Police Gazette,” from Geffen for $63.5 million.

The pinnacle of de Kooning’s market value came in September 2015 when Geffen sold “Interchange” to hedge-fund billionaire Ken Griffin for approximately $300 million. This sale set a new record for the highest price ever paid for a painting at that time.

Interchange-by-Willem-de-Kooning — “Interchange” by Willem de Kooning, 1955

In November 2016, another de Kooning work, “Untitled XXV,” sold for $66.3 million at Christie’s in New York, setting a new auction record for his pieces.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Born on April 24, 1904, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, de Kooning’s early life was anything but glamorous. After his parents divorced when he was three, he navigated a challenging upbringing in a working-class environment. His artistic talent was evident from a young age, leading to an apprenticeship at a commercial art firm and night classes at the Rotterdam Academy of Fine Arts and Applied Sciences.

Driven by a dream to break into the American art scene, de Kooning stowed away on a British freighter in 1926, arriving in Newport News, Virginia. He eventually made his way to New York City, where he juggled jobs as a house painter and commercial artist while fervently pursuing his passion for painting.

The New York Art Scene and Rise to Fame

De Kooning’s foray into the New York art scene was marked by influential friendships and formative experiences. His relationships with artists like Arshile Gorky and Stuart Davis played a pivotal role in shaping his early work, which featured geometric shapes and vibrant colors, drawing inspiration from modernist pioneers such as Picasso and Miró.

“Gansevoort Street” by Willem de Kooning, 1949 | Photo by Frank Tang

The late 1940s saw de Kooning delve into black-and-white abstract paintings, a significant period that laid the groundwork for his later acclaim. His first solo exhibition in 1948 at the Charles Egan Gallery showcased these works, catapulting him into the spotlight.

The Woman Series and Abstract Expressionism

The 1950s were transformative for de Kooning, particularly with his “Woman” series. These paintings, beginning with “Woman I,” showcased his intense, gestural brushwork and fragmented, almost violent, representations of the female form. Controversial and provocative, they established him as a leading figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement, alongside contemporaries like Jackson Pollock.

“Woman Standing – Pink” by Willem de Kooning, 1954-55 | Photo by Frank Tang

De Kooning’s exploration of the female form was deeply personal. His tumultuous marriage to Elaine de Kooning, an artist in her own right, was marked by both collaboration and conflict. Their relationship, characterized by open infidelity, alcoholism, and periods of separation, mirrored the chaotic energy of his paintings.

Drama and Glamour

De Kooning’s life was steeped in drama and glamour. His marriage to Elaine was an open one, with both engaging in numerous affairs. Elaine’s relationships with influential figures like art critic Harold Rosenberg and ARTnews editor Thomas B. Hess helped further Willem’s career. Meanwhile, de Kooning had a daughter, Lisa, with Joan Ward in 1956 and was romantically involved with Ruth Kligman, who had previously been Jackson Pollock’s lover until his tragic death in a car crash.

Despite their personal turmoil, Willem and Elaine remained connected through their shared passion for art. Elaine’s fierce independence and dedication to her own career often led to fiery clashes, yet their bond endured, culminating in a reunion in 1976 after nearly two decades of separation.

Financial Triumphs

As de Kooning’s reputation soared, so did the value of his work. By the end of the 1950s, he was considered one of the most influential painters globally. This acclaim translated into financial success, particularly in the 21st century. His paintings became highly sought-after commodities in the art market, fetching record-breaking prices that reflected their immense cultural and artistic value.

In 2006, the sale of “Woman III” for $137.5 million and “Police Gazette” for $63.5 million underscored the high demand for his work. However, it was the sale of “Interchange” for approximately $300 million in 2015 that truly shattered records, demonstrating the enduring appeal and significance of his contributions to modern art.

Legacy and Influence

Willem de Kooning’s impact on the art world is immeasurable. By the end of the 1950s, he was widely regarded as a pioneer of Abstract Expressionism, a movement characterized by its emotive intensity and innovative techniques. His unique approach to “action painting” and his bold, expressive style left an indelible mark on the trajectory of modern art.

From his humble beginnings in Rotterdam to the heights of the New York art scene, de Kooning’s story is one of relentless passion, artistic innovation, and personal complexity. The drama and glamour of his personal life, intertwined with his professional achievements, paint a vivid picture of an artist who lived and created with intensity and fervor.

De Kooning’s legacy, both as a pioneer of Abstract Expressionism and as a cultural icon, endures, reflecting the profound impact of his vision on the world of art. His meteoric rise and record-breaking sales are not just testaments to his financial success, but also to the enduring power and relevance of his artistic genius. Willem de Kooning’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, with exhibitions of his work continuing to draw acclaim well into the 21st century.