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The 8 Most Famous Anne Ryan Paintings, Each One of a Kind
Updated October 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 8 works by Anne Ryan in our catalogue
In short
Number 14 (1948) is the Anne Ryan painting that draws the most eyes. After it, the eye goes to Untitled ( 36) (1948) and Untitled ( 461) (1952). Among the 8 works of Anne Ryan in our catalog, these 8 are the most famous, each a unique original presented with its year, its museum and the reason it endures.
1889 – 1954, Hoboken
Abstract expressionism
Top 10 paintings by Anne Ryan, through the gallery's eye
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Untitled ( 424)
The artwork Untitled (424) by Anne Ryan is a quintessential example of Abstract Expressionism, a movement that revolutionized the art world in the mid-20th century. Created in 1953, this piece showcases Ryan's unique style and technique, which set her apart from her contemporaries. The Artist's Background Anne Ryan was an American artist born in 1889, who belonged to the early generation of New York School Abstract Expressionist artists. Her work…
The subjects that held Anne Ryan's eye
The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
Collage art 2 works
Anne Ryan across the years: the unique originals of each
Between 1948 and 1953, 6 years in all, Anne Ryan made every dated original shown here: a short span, followed year by year.
Works per year
Pick a year to see its originals.
1953
Untitled ( 424)
Age 64
1 work this year
The artwork Untitled (424) by Anne Ryan is a quintessential example of Abstract Expressionism, a movement that revolutionized the art world in the mid-20th century. Created in 1953, this piece showcases Ryan's unique style and technique, which set her apart from her contemporaries. The Artist's Background Anne Ryan was an American artist born in 1889, who belonged to the early generation of New York School Abstract Expressionist artists. Her work…
Anne Ryan's paintings: questions for the gallery
What is the single most famous work of Anne Ryan?Reveal the answer
Number 14 (1948). Untitled ( 36) (1948) and Untitled ( 461) (1952) come next.
At what age did Anne Ryan create Number 14?Reveal the answer
59 years old: Number 14 dates from 1948, and Anne Ryan was born in 1889.
How many works by Anne Ryan are known?Reveal the answer
Our catalog holds 8 works by Anne Ryan, dated from 1948 to 1953.
During which period did Anne Ryan create the best-known paintings?Reveal the answer
In 1948: 2 of the 8 works on this page were made then, Number 14 among them.
Which famous Anne Ryan painting is the earliest, and which the latest?Reveal the answer
On this page, the earliest is Number 14 (1948) and the latest Untitled ( 424) (1953).
Which movement does the work of Anne Ryan belong to?Reveal the answer
Abstract expressionism, judging by the originals on this page.
Where can I order a hand-painted Anne Ryan reproduction?Reveal the answer
Yes, as a reproduction: the original stays in its museum, but any painting on this page can be painted by hand for you, made to order one at a time, from the painting's own page.
Anne Ryan: a portrait of the artist
Early Life and Education
- Born: Hoboken, New Jersey, 1889
- Parents: Both parents died when Ryan was a teenager.
- Education: Attended the Academy of St Elizabeth Convent for high school and early college. Left before graduating to marry William McFadden.
- Marriage and Family: Married attorney William McFadden in 1911; they separated in 1923. Had three children, Elizabeth, William Jr., and Thomas.
- Early Literary Pursuits: Frequented art and literary circles in New York's Greenwich Village neighborhood. Published a novel, *Raquel*, as well as a volume of poetry, *Lost Hills*.
Artistic Development and Influences
- European Sojourn: Lived in Majorca and Paris (1931-1932).
- Beginnings in Painting: Began painting in 1938, had her first solo exhibition in 1941 at the Pinacoteca.
- Atelier 17: Joined Stanley William Hayter's Atelier 17 (1941), a printmaking workshop, and created prints.
- Key Turning Point – Kurt Schwitters: In 1948, saw the collages of Kurt Schwitters at the Rose Fried Gallery in New York City. This profoundly influenced her artistic direction. She recognized a visual equivalence to her poetry in Schwitters' work.
- Focus on Collage: Dedicated herself primarily to collage from 1948 until her death, producing over 400 pieces.
- Materials Used: Incorporated diverse materials into her collages including silk, netting, handmade rag paper, and Japanese rice paper. Many works were mounted on handmade paper by Douglas Morse Howell.
Artistic Style and Techniques
- Collage as Primary Voice: Found collage to be her primary artistic medium.
- Small-Scale Works: Most of her collages were small, averaging roughly eight by six inches.
- Juxtaposition of Textures: Juxtaposed small squares of different materials to highlight their distinct textures and densities.
- Color Palette: Employed pastel colors in her compositions.
- Relationship with Writing: Maintained a permeable relationship between artmaking and writing, though she favored the latter for most of her life. Wrote "Lines to a Young Painter."
Recognition and Legacy
- Exhibitions: Had three exhibitions at the Betty Parsons Gallery in the 1950s, solidifying her reputation.
- Critical Reception: Early critical responses noted the "feminine" qualities of her work.
- Posthumous Recognition: An exhibition of her collages was shown at the Brooklyn Museum and traveled to several other institutions including the National Collection of Fine Arts in Washington, D.C.
- Association with Abstract Expressionism: Belonged to the early generation of New York School abstract expressionist artists.
- Daughter's Artistic Career: Her daughter, Elizabeth McFadden, is also an artist.