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Student Artwork Guide

The Acrobat

Willem de Kooning, 1942

Name Class Date
Willem de Kooning, The Acrobat (1942). Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Willem de Kooning topimpressionists.com/en/artists/willem-de-kooning/
Artist’s dates
1904 – 1997
Painted
1942
Medium
Oil On Canvas
Original size
94 x 66 cm
Movement
Abstract Expressionism Large canvases where the act of painting itself — the drip, the sweep — is the subject.
Period
Modern
Artistic style
Gestural abstraction
Notable elements or techniques
Gesture painting
Subject or theme
Portraiture

Copyright This work is still under copyright. Willem de Kooning died in 1997; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2067. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Oct. 7, 2026

The Acrobat — Willem de Kooning Part 1 · The artwork

In context

The Acrobat — Willem de Kooning

How big is it?

The original measures 94 × 66 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1900
  2. 1910
  3. 1920
  4. 1930
  5. 1940
  6. 1950
  7. 1960
  8. 1970
  9. 1980
  10. 1990

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 93 at death.

Painted when the artist was 38. The artist lived to 93. 6 of the 88 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Willem de Kooning (1904–1997) ▲ this work, 1942 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1949 Main working years: 1949–1965 Late works: from 1965

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/willem-de-kooning-the-acrobat-D2W6CP-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Sea Green #536961

    Catalogued palette

    • #536961
    • #86754D
    • #66562B
    • #030202

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Main colour name
    Sea Green
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Balanced Harmony How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Willem de Kooning over the last twelve months — 38 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 24.6%4,400 visits
    2. 2 United States of America 17.3%3,100 visits
    3. 3 Brazil 6.1%1,100 visits
    4. 4 United Kingdom 6.1%1,100 visits
    5. 5 Italy 4.5%800 visits
    6. 6 South Korea 4.5%800 visits
    7. 7 Belgium 3.4%600 visits
    8. 8 Spain 2.8%500 visits
    9. 9 France 2.2%400 visits
    10. 10 Romania 2.2%400 visits
    11. · 28 other countries 26.3%4,700 visits

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Willem de Kooning

    1. 1 Woman I, 1952 36.2%13,400 visits
    2. 2 Excavation, 1950 5.9%2,200 visits
    3. 3 Door to the River, 1960 4.6%1,700 visits
    4. 4 Woman V, 1952-53 (oil ^ charcoal on canvas), 1953 3.0%1,100 visits
    5. 5 Marilyn Monroe, 1954 3.0%1,100 visits
    6. 6 Women Singing II, 1966 2.4%900 visits
    7. 7 A Tree in Naples 2.2%800 visits
    8. 8 Abstraction, 1950 2.2%800 visits
    9. 9 The visit tate gallery, 1966 1.9%700 visits
    10. 10 Seated Woman, 1940 1.6%600 visits
    11. 11 Gotham News, 1955 1.6%600 visits
    12. 12 Saturday Night, 1956 1.6%600 visits
    13. 13 Composition 1.4%500 visits
    14. 14 Merritt Parkway, 1959 1.4%500 visits
    15. 15 Parc rosenberg,1957, private 1.4%500 visits
    16. 16 Excavation,1950, art institute of chicago 1.4%500 visits
    17. 17 Woman Red Hair, Large Mouth, Large Foot, 1965 1.1%400 visits
    18. 18 Sphinx, 1964 1.1%400 visits
    19. 19 Untitled (21) 1.1%400 visits
    20. 69 The Acrobat, 1942 this painting 0.3%100 visits

    Together these works take 75.4% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 102 works by this artist, of which 70 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 69 of them, with 0.3% of that attention (100 visits). The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Oct. 7, 2026

    The Acrobat — Willem de Kooning Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    The Acrobat — Willem de Kooning

    A Portrait of Introspection and Detachment

    In Willem de Kooning’s 1942 masterpiece, The Acrobat, the viewer is immediately drawn into a profound state of quietude interrupted by an underlying tension. The painting presents a solitary man, dressed in a striking yellow shirt, seated in a moment of repose that feels far from peaceful. While his body remains still, his gaze is directed away from the observer, looking toward something unseen beyond the frame. This deliberate positioning creates an immediate sense of detachment and introspection, inviting those who stand before it to contemplate the complexities of the human psyche. There is a palpable melancholy in his expression, a feeling of being lost in thought, which transforms a simple portrait into a deep exploration of solitude.

    The Visceral Energy of Abstract Expressionism

    Beyond its subject matter, The Acrobat serves as a powerful testament to the burgeoning movement of Abstract Expressionism. De Kooning eschews the precise, representational lines of traditional portraiture in favor of a more spontaneous and emotional language. The technique is characterized by thick, heavy impasto, where the paint is applied with such vigor that the canvas itself seems to pulsate with life. These expressive brushstrokes do not merely depict a man; they convey a state of being. The textured surfaces capture a sense of movement and struggle, as if the artist’s very gestures were an attempt to wrestle meaning from chaos. For the collector or interior designer, this piece offers a commanding presence, bringing a tactile, energetic dimension to any space.

    Symbolism Amidst Global Uncertainty

    To understand the true depth of this work, one must consider the historical shadow cast by its creation in 1942. As the world was gripped by the anxieties of World War II, de Kooning channeled that collective uncertainty into his art. The painting is rich with symbolic layers that speak to both resilience and mortality. While the man embodies the adaptability and inner fortitude of an acrobat—balancing through life's pressures—the inclusion of a clock on the wall serves as a poignant memento mori. It is a silent reminder of the relentless passage of time and the fleeting nature of existence. Through this delicate balance of subject and symbol, de Kooning creates a work that is not only visually captivating but emotionally resonant, making it an enduring inspiration for those who appreciate art that speaks to the very core of the human experience.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Oct. 7, 2026

    The Acrobat — Willem de Kooning Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Willem de Kooning

    Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands

    A Life Forged in Abstraction

    Willem de Kooning, a name synonymous with the raw energy and emotional depth of Abstract Expressionism, was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in 1904. His early life was marked by a familial split – his parents divorced when he was young – which perhaps instilled within him a sense of restless searching that would permeate his artistic journey. Leaving formal schooling at twelve, de Kooning apprenticed with a commercial art firm, laying the groundwork for his technical skill while simultaneously fueling a desire to break free from conventional constraints. Evening classes at the Academie van Beeldende Kunsten en Technische Wetenschappen in Rotterdam provided further foundational training, but it was a yearning for something more – a bolder, more expressive language – that ultimately propelled him towards America in 1926. His arrival wasn’t straightforward; he famously stowed away on a ship, embodying the spirit of an outsider seeking new horizons. New York City became his adopted home, and its vibrant, often gritty energy profoundly shaped his evolving style. He navigated various jobs – house painter, carpenter – all while relentlessly pursuing his artistic vision, absorbing the city’s pulse into his work.

    From Urban Scenes to Abstract Fury

    De Kooning's early paintings reflected his immediate surroundings: urban landscapes and portraits that captured the dynamism of New York life. However, these were merely stepping stones towards a more profound exploration of form and emotion. A pivotal moment came with his connection to Arshile Gorky, whose influence proved transformative. Gorky encouraged de Kooning’s experimentation with abstraction, fostering a willingness to dismantle traditional representation in pursuit of something deeper. The 1930s saw de Kooning engage with social realism and mural projects through the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a period that honed his skills but also highlighted the limitations of purely representational art. He found himself drawn towards the work of Stuart Davis and John Graham, artists who were pushing boundaries in their own right. This confluence of influences gradually steered him away from literal depiction and toward an increasingly abstract vocabulary. It wasn’t a sudden shift, but rather a slow burn – a deliberate dismantling of established norms fueled by intellectual curiosity and a relentless pursuit of artistic truth.

    The Woman Series: A Landmark Achievement

    Following World War II, de Kooning emerged as a central figure in the burgeoning Abstract Expressionist movement. This period marked a turning point, culminating in his iconic “Woman” series (1950-1953). These paintings – including the monumental *Woman I* – are not merely depictions of female figures; they are visceral explorations of femininity, sexuality, and the complexities of human emotion. Characterized by aggressive brushstrokes, fragmented forms, and a jarring juxtaposition of colors, the “Woman” series challenged conventional notions of beauty and representation. They were controversial, even shocking to some, but their power lay precisely in their refusal to conform. De Kooning wasn’t interested in creating idealized images; he sought to capture the raw, untamed essence of his subjects. Beyond the "Woman" series, works like The Glazier and Excavation further demonstrated his dynamic approach to painting, showcasing a masterful command of texture, color, and composition. He didn't shy away from chaos or ambiguity; instead, he embraced them as integral components of his artistic language.

    Evolving Landscapes and Enduring Legacy

    In the 1960s, de Kooning’s style underwent another significant evolution. While abstraction remained central to his work, landscape elements began to play a more prominent role, often rendered with a brighter palette and a looser, more fluid brushstroke. He continued to experiment relentlessly throughout his life, exploring different techniques and materials, never content to rest on his laurels. His later works demonstrate a remarkable ability to reinvent himself while remaining true to his core artistic principles. Willem de Kooning’s historical significance is undeniable. He helped establish New York City as a global center for art, challenging the dominance of European traditions and paving the way for future generations of artists. His work continues to inspire awe and provoke debate, reminding us of the power of abstraction to convey profound emotional truths. De Kooning passed away in 1997, leaving behind a vast and influential body of work that stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to artistic innovation and his enduring legacy as one of the most important American artists of the 20th century. His impact resonates still.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for The Acrobat

    topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/willem-de-kooning-the-acrobat-D2W6CP-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Kooning, Willem de. The Acrobat. 1942, https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/willem-de-kooning-the-acrobat-D2W6CP-en/
    APA
    Kooning, Willem de (1942). The Acrobat [Painting]. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/willem-de-kooning-the-acrobat-D2W6CP-en/
    Chicago
    Willem de Kooning. The Acrobat. 1942. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/willem-de-kooning-the-acrobat-D2W6CP-en/
    Harvard
    Kooning, Willem de (1942) The Acrobat. Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/willem-de-kooning-the-acrobat-D2W6CP-en/

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Oct. 7, 2026

    The Acrobat — Willem de Kooning Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    The Acrobat — Willem de Kooning

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: portraiture, man figure, yellow shirt. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Woman I (1952), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Abstract Expressionism: Large canvases where the act of painting itself — the drip, the sweep — is the subject. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Oct. 7, 2026

    The Acrobat — Willem de Kooning Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    Who is the author of "The Acrobat", and in which movement?

    "The Acrobat" was created by Willem de Kooning in the Abstract Expressionism style. Artist and movement identify the work's tradition.

    How do movement and era meet in "The Acrobat" by Willem de Kooning?

    In "The Acrobat" by Willem de Kooning, the Abstract Expressionism movement meets the Modern era.

    What emotion does "The Acrobat" by Willem de Kooning convey?

    The emotional tone recorded for "The Acrobat" by Willem de Kooning is dramatic. It summarizes the feeling the work expresses.