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Student Artwork Guide

Standing Man

Willem de Kooning, 1942

Name Class Date
Willem de Kooning, Standing Man (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 originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/willem-de-kooning/
Artist’s dates
1904 – 1997
Painted
1942
Medium
Oil On Canvas
Movement
Abstract Expressionism Large canvases where the act of painting itself — the drip, the sweep — is the subject.
Period
Modern
Artistic style
Action Painting
Influences
Surrealism
Notable elements or techniques
Bold brushstrokes, Vibrant colors
Subject or theme
Figure painting

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: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 6, 2026

Standing Man — Willem de Kooning Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Standing Man — Willem de Kooning

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: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/willem-de-kooning-standing-man-8XZ6Y8-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Clay #a56843

    Catalogued palette

    • #A56843
    • #74442E
    • #D4784A
    • #DBA867

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

    Palette
    Dark The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Clay
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Bright How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Clear Color Presence 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 24.7%
    2. 2 United States of America 17.4%
    3. 3 Brazil 6.2%
    4. 4 United Kingdom 6.2%
    5. 5 Italy 4.5%
    6. 6 South Korea 4.5%
    7. 7 Belgium 3.4%
    8. 8 Spain 2.2%
    9. 9 France 2.2%
    10. 10 Romania 2.2%
    11. · 28 other countries 26.5%

    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 36.9%
    2. 2 Excavation, 1950 6.0%
    3. 3 Door to the River, 1960 3.4%
    4. 4 Woman V, 1952-53 (oil ^ charcoal on canvas), 1953 3.1%
    5. 5 Marilyn Monroe, 1954 2.8%
    6. 6 Women Singing II, 1966 2.6%
    7. 7 A Tree in Naples 2.3%
    8. 8 Abstraction, 1950 2.0%
    9. 9 The visit tate gallery, 1966 2.0%
    10. 10 Seated Woman, 1940 1.7%
    11. 11 Saturday Night, 1956 1.7%
    12. 12 Composition 1.4%
    13. 13 Merritt Parkway, 1959 1.4%
    14. 14 Parc rosenberg,1957, private 1.4%
    15. 15 Excavation,1950, art institute of chicago 1.4%
    16. 16 Woman Red Hair, Large Mouth, Large Foot, 1965 1.1%
    17. 17 Sphinx, 1964 1.1%
    18. 18 Untitled (21) 1.1%
    19. 19 Two Women in the Country, 1954 0.9%
    20. 36 Standing Man, 1942 this painting 0.6%

    Together these works take 74.9% 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 36 of them, with 0.6% of that attention. 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: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 6, 2026

    Standing Man — Willem de Kooning Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Standing Man — Willem de Kooning

    Standing Man by Willem de Kooning: A Crucible of Abstract Expressionism

    Willem de Kooning’s “Standing Man,” painted in 1942, stands as a cornerstone of Abstract Expressionism—a movement that irrevocably altered the landscape of American art and continues to resonate with audiences today. More than just a depiction of a figure, it's an embodiment of raw emotion, impulsive gesture, and a profound exploration of form itself. This monumental canvas, currently available for reproduction at /art/list/?Filter=8XZ6Y8-Willem-De-Kooning-Standing-Man, invites viewers into the turbulent heart of postwar artistic innovation.

    The Movement’s Genesis: Abstract Expressionism emerged from the ashes of World War II, rejecting the formalism of European Modernism and prioritizing process over product. Artists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Clyfford Still sought to express inner turmoil and psychological states through spontaneous brushstrokes—a radical departure from traditional representational art.

    De Kooning’s Unique Voice: De Kooning distinguished himself within this movement with his intensely personal style. Unlike many of his contemporaries who favored geometric abstraction, he embraced a visceral approach characterized by thick impasto – heavily textured paint – and vibrant, dissonant colors. His work wasn't about capturing reality; it was about channeling emotion onto the canvas.

    Analyzing “Standing Man”: The painting depicts a man standing before a wall, his arms crossed in an posture of defiance or contemplation. De Kooning’s masterful use of color—primarily reds and yellows—creates a dynamic interplay that conveys energy and agitation. Bold, slashing brushstrokes dominate the composition, disrupting any semblance of conventional perspective.

    Influences Beyond Representation

    De Kooning's artistic vision wasn’t born in isolation. He drew inspiration from Surrealist artists like André Masson and Max Ernst, who championed automatism—the technique of allowing unconscious impulses to guide the creative process. This influence is palpable in “Standing Man,” where forms appear to erupt spontaneously from the surface of the canvas, mirroring the subconscious exploration favored by Surrealists.

    Surrealist Techniques: Masson and Ernst’s methods emphasized chance and improvisation, rejecting rational control in favor of accessing deeper levels of psychological awareness. De Kooning adopted similar principles, prioritizing intuition over meticulous planning.

    The Power of Gesture: The painting's expressive brushwork embodies the core tenets of Action Painting—a movement that sought to capture the artist’s physical and emotional engagement with the artwork. It’s a testament to De Kooning’s ability to translate feeling into visual form.

    Legacy and Enduring Significance

    "Standing Man" solidified De Kooning's position as one of the foremost figures in Abstract Expressionism, influencing subsequent generations of artists. Its uncompromising honesty and emotional intensity paved the way for movements like Pop Art and Minimalism—demonstrating that art could transcend representational concerns to explore fundamental questions about human experience.

    Impact on Later Artists: De Kooning’s stylistic innovations challenged established conventions, encouraging artists to experiment with new mediums and techniques. His influence can be seen in the work of artists who prioritized conceptual ideas over visual aesthetics.

    A Symbol of Artistic Freedom: Ultimately, “Standing Man” represents a triumph of artistic liberty—a refusal to conform to societal expectations and a commitment to pursuing personal vision. It remains an enduring emblem of Abstract Expressionism’s transformative legacy.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 6, 2026

    Standing Man — 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 Standing Man

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/willem-de-kooning-standing-man-8XZ6Y8-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Kooning, Willem de. Standing Man. 1942, https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/willem-de-kooning-standing-man-8XZ6Y8-en/
    APA
    Kooning, Willem de (1942). Standing Man [Painting]. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/willem-de-kooning-standing-man-8XZ6Y8-en/
    Chicago
    Willem de Kooning. Standing Man. 1942. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/willem-de-kooning-standing-man-8XZ6Y8-en/
    Harvard
    Kooning, Willem de (1942) Standing Man. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/willem-de-kooning-standing-man-8XZ6Y8-en/

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 6, 2026

    Standing Man — Willem de Kooning Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Standing Man — 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: figure painting, bold brushstrokes, color palette. 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: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 6, 2026

    Standing Man — Willem de Kooning Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    Can I see an X-ray view of "Standing Man" by Willem de Kooning?

    "Standing Man" can be examined layer by layer on the artwork's X-Ray page, a viewer inspired by a conservator's light bench with eleven optical readings of the image.

    What does "Standing Man" by Willem de Kooning depict, and in what mood?

    "Standing Man" by Willem de Kooning combines figure painting, bold brushstrokes, color palette, dynamic composition, surrealism influence, american art, wall presence with a bold atmosphere.

    Is "Standing Man" available as a fine art print?

    To get a print of "Standing Man" by Willem de Kooning, simply order it on its Fine Art Print page: a fine art print on cotton canvas or archival canvas paper.