Portrait of Ben Nicholson

Ben Nicholson Paintings: The 100 Most Famous, Through a Gallery's Eye

Updated October 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 127 works by Ben Nicholson in our catalogue

In short

To the gallery's eye, Ben Nicholson's most famous painting is 1946 (cerulean abstraction) (1946), whose original hangs in the Pallant House Gallery, Chichester. 1933 (St Rémy self portrait with Barbara Hepworth) (1933) and 1934 (painted relief) (1934) complete the trio every eye recognises. Of the 127 works by Ben Nicholson in our catalog, the gallery presents the 100 most famous below, each original with its year, its museum and what makes it unique.

1894 – 1982, Buckinghamshire Cubism Most works: Kettle's Yard
1946 (cerulean abstraction) (1946) by Ben Nicholson1. 1946 (cerulean abstraction) 1946 1933 (St Rémy self portrait with Barbara Hepworth) (1933) by Ben Nicholson2. 1933 (St Rémy self portrait with Barbara Hepworth) 1933 1934 (painted relief) (1934) by Ben Nicholson3. 1934 (painted relief) 1934

The gallery's top 10 Ben Nicholson paintings

1
1946 (cerulean abstraction) (1946) by Ben Nicholson

1946 (cerulean abstraction)

1946 · Acrylic On Canvas · Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

Ben Nicholson OM’s “1946,” a cerulean abstraction housed at Pallant House Gallery, stands as a testament to the burgeoning modernist movement and Nicholson's singular vision for capturing emotion through geometric form. Painted in 1946 amidst the postwar landscape of Britain—a period marked by rebuilding efforts and a fervent embrace of experimental artistic approaches—the canvas embodies a profound stillness punctuated by dynamic interplay between color and shape.

The story behind this original
3
1934 (painted relief) (1934) by Ben Nicholson

1934 (painted relief)

1934 · Acrylic On Canvas · University of Hertfordshire, North Hatley

Exploring Geometric Minimalism: Ben Nicholson’s ‘1934 (relief)’ Ben Nicholson OM's '1934 (relief)' stands as a testament to the understated elegance of geometric abstraction, embodying the spirit of mid-century modern design and inviting contemplation on form and texture. Created in 1934, this mahogany painted relief exemplifies Nicholson’s pioneering exploration of spatial relationships within simplified shapes—a deliberate departure from representational art that sought to capture the essence of experience rather than visual…

Look closer at this work
7
1932–33 (musical instruments) (1933) by Ben Nicholson

1932–33 (musical instruments)

1933 · Oil On Canvas · Kettle's Yard, Cambridge

A violin and a cello emerge from a quiet, gray landscape. They are not drawn with the soft curves of a musician's hand, but through the sharp, disciplined language of geometric abstraction. In this 1933 oil on canvas, the instruments lose their wooden warmth to become a series of intersecting planes and incised lines. The composition relies on a muted palette, where shades of gray dictate the mood, creating a…

Look closer at this work

Ben Nicholson paintings, ranked 11 to 100

111932 (prince and princess) (1932) by Ben Nicholson1932 (prince and princess)1932 · Walker Art Gallery 12May 1956 (hendrifter) (1956) by Ben NicholsonMay 1956 (hendrifter)1956 · Arts Council Collection 13c.1922 (Balearic Islands) (1924) by Ben Nicholsonc.1922 (Balearic Islands)1924 · Kettle's Yard 141927 (Winifred and Jake) (1928) by Ben Nicholson1927 (Winifred and Jake)1928 · Pallant House Gallery 151938 (1938) by Ben Nicholson19381938 · National Gallery of Victoria 161930 (Christmas night) (1930) by Ben Nicholson1930 (Christmas night)1930 · Kettle's Yard 171925 (landscape) (1925) by Ben Nicholson1925 (landscape)1925 · Pallant House Gallery 181914 (the striped jug) (1914) by Ben Nicholson1914 (the striped jug)1914 · The Stanley - Audrey Burton Gallery 191925 (jar and goblet) (1925) by Ben Nicholson1925 (jar and goblet)1925 · Kettle's Yard 201917 (portrait of Edie) (1919) by Ben Nicholson1917 (portrait of Edie)1919 211922 (bread) (1922) by Ben Nicholson1922 (bread)1922 221944–5 (painted relief) (1945) by Ben Nicholson1944–5 (painted relief)1945 · The Pier Arts Centre 231921 c.1923 (Cortivallo, Lugano) (1923) by Ben Nicholson1921 c.1923 (Cortivallo, Lugano)1923 24c.1926 (apples) (1927) by Ben Nicholsonc.1926 (apples)1927 · Kettle's Yard 251926 (still life – L.L.) (1926) by Ben Nicholson1926 (still life – L.L.)1926 · The Ingram Collection of Modern British And Contemporary Art 261928 (three mugs and a bowl) (1928) by Ben Nicholson1928 (three mugs and a bowl)1928 · Jerwood Gallery 271923 (Castagnola) (1923) by Ben Nicholson1923 (Castagnola)1923 28Composition (1929) by Ben NicholsonComposition1929 · Dudmaston Hall 291931 (St Ives Bay sea with boats) (1931) by Ben Nicholson1931 (St Ives Bay sea with boats)1931 301932 (painting) (1932) by Ben Nicholson1932 (painting)1932 311932 (Le Quotidien) (1932) by Ben Nicholson1932 (Le Quotidien)1932 321933 (composition in black and white) (1933) by Ben Nicholson1933 (composition in black and white)1933 · Swindon Art Gallery 331929 (composition) (1929) by Ben Nicholson1929 (composition)1929 341933 (study of a head) (1933) by Ben Nicholson1933 (study of a head)1933 351931 (a decorated paint box) (1931) by Ben Nicholson1931 (a decorated paint box)1931 · Pallant House Gallery 36Jan 27 1933 (1933) by Ben NicholsonJan 27 19331933 371930 (Cumberland farm) (1930) by Ben Nicholson1930 (Cumberland farm)1930 381933 (guitar) (1933) by Ben Nicholson1933 (guitar)1933 · Kettle's Yard 391932 (crowned head the queen) (1932) by Ben Nicholson1932 (crowned head the queen)1932 · Abbot Hall Art Gallery 40c.1932 (Bistre 11) (1932) by Ben Nicholsonc.1932 (Bistre 11)1932 · Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery 411929 (fireworks) (1929) by Ben Nicholson1929 (fireworks)1929 · The Pier Arts Centre 421932 (head and mug in a Greek landscape) (1932) by Ben Nicholson1932 (head and mug in a Greek landscape)1932 431934 (relief) (1934) by Ben Nicholson1934 (relief)1934 441934 project for Massine for Beethoven 7th Symphony Ballet (1934) by Ben Nicholson1934 project for Massine for Beethoven 7th Symphony Ballet1934 451936 (white relief sculpture version 1) (1936) by Ben Nicholson1936 (white relief sculpture version 1)1936 461935 (white relief) (1935) by Ben Nicholson1935 (white relief)1935 471934 project for Massine for Beethoven 7th Symphony Ballet (1934) by Ben Nicholson1934 project for Massine for Beethoven 7th Symphony Ballet1934 48circa 1936 (sculpture) (1936) by Ben Nicholsoncirca 1936 (sculpture)1936 491934 6 (painting still life) (1934) by Ben Nicholson1934 6 (painting still life)1934 501935 (painting) (1935) by Ben Nicholson1935 (painting)1935 · The Pier Arts Centre 511930–1936 (composition still life) (1936) by Ben Nicholson1930–1936 (composition still life)1936 · Abbot Hall Art Gallery 521934 (still life Birdie) (1934) by Ben Nicholson1934 (still life Birdie)1934 531937 (painting) (1937) by Ben Nicholson1937 (painting)1937 541934 (1st scheme for Massine ballet) (1934) by Ben Nicholson1934 (1st scheme for Massine ballet)1934 · Kettle's Yard 55Untitled (1942) by Ben NicholsonUntitled1942 561943 45 (St Ives, Cornwall) (1943) by Ben Nicholson1943 45 (St Ives, Cornwall)1943 571943 45 (St Ives, Cornwall) (1943) by Ben Nicholson1943 45 (St Ives, Cornwall)1943 581940 (Cornish Landscape) (1940) by Ben Nicholson1940 (Cornish Landscape)1940 · Bolton Museum And Art Gallery 591939–41 (winter landscape Halsetown) (1941) by Ben Nicholson1939–41 (winter landscape Halsetown)1941 · Ferens Art Gallery 601940 (painted relief plover's egg blue) (1940) by Ben Nicholson1940 (painted relief plover's egg blue)1940 611939 (painted relief) (1939) by Ben Nicholson1939 (painted relief)1939 · The Pier Arts Centre 621940–43 (two forms) (1943) by Ben Nicholson1940–43 (two forms)1943 631940–42 (two forms) (1942) by Ben Nicholson1940–42 (two forms)1942 641932–40 (still life) (1940) by Ben Nicholson1932–40 (still life)1940 · The Pier Arts Centre 65Composition, Abstract Squares (1945) by Ben NicholsonComposition, Abstract Squares1945 66December 13-17 1947 (Trendine 2) (1947) by Ben NicholsonDecember 13-17 1947 (Trendine 2)1947 · The Phillips Collection 671946 (still life - Alice through the looking ... (1946) by Ben Nicholson1946 (still life - Alice through the looking ...1946 · Art Gallery of New South Wales 68c.1943–1947 (composition abstract squares) (1947) by Ben Nicholsonc.1943–1947 (composition abstract squares)1947 691944–45 (painted relief Arabian desert) (1945) by Ben Nicholson1944–45 (painted relief Arabian desert)1945 701945 (still life) (1945) by Ben Nicholson1945 (still life)1945 711946 (composition, still life) (1946) by Ben Nicholson1946 (composition, still life)1946 72Exhibition Sign (1933) by Ben NicholsonExhibition Sign1933 · Kettle's Yard 7314 March 1947 (still life – spotted curtain) (1947) by Ben Nicholson14 March 1947 (still life – spotted curtain)1947 74c.1946–1947 (3 circles) (1947) by Ben Nicholsonc.1946–1947 (3 circles)1947 · The Pier Arts Centre 751945 (2 circles) (1945) by Ben Nicholson1945 (2 circles)1945 · The Pier Arts Centre 76March 17 1950 (still life) (1950) by Ben NicholsonMarch 17 1950 (still life)1950 · The Phillips Collection 771950 (still life Dolomites) (1950) by Ben Nicholson1950 (still life Dolomites)1950 781950 (still life) (1950) by Ben Nicholson1950 (still life)1950 791946–50 (still life) (1950) by Ben Nicholson1946–50 (still life)1950 80Still Life (1950) by Ben NicholsonStill Life1950 · MAM Rio 81February 1955 (talisman) (1955) by Ben NicholsonFebruary 1955 (talisman)1955 · The Phillips Collection 82Four Squares, Two Circles (1963) by Ben NicholsonFour Squares, Two Circles1963 · Dudmaston Hall 831966 (Zennor Quoit 2) (1966) by Ben Nicholson1966 (Zennor Quoit 2)1966 · The Phillips Collection 84Dordogne No. 4 (1967) by Ben NicholsonDordogne No. 41967 · Israel Museum 851969 (Holkham Sands No. 1) (1969) by Ben Nicholson1969 (Holkham Sands No. 1)1969 861967 8 (relief) (1968) by Ben Nicholson1967 8 (relief)1968 871933 (design) (1933) by Ben Nicholson1933 (design)1933 · Laing Art Gallery 881945 (still life with flag) (1945) by Ben Nicholson1945 (still life with flag)1945 · The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology 891928 (foothills, Cumberland) (1928) by Ben Nicholson1928 (foothills, Cumberland)1928 901932 (Talc de Coty) (1932) by Ben Nicholson1932 (Talc de Coty)1932 · The Pier Arts Centre 91c.1930 (framed lid) (1930) by Ben Nicholsonc.1930 (framed lid)1930 · Pallant House Gallery 92November 3 1950 (still life winter) (1950) by Ben NicholsonNovember 3 1950 (still life winter)1950 · The Phillips Collection 93March 1949 (Trencrom) (1949) by Ben NicholsonMarch 1949 (Trencrom)1949 · British Council Collection 94c.1928 (Cumbrian landscape) (1928) by Ben Nicholsonc.1928 (Cumbrian landscape)1928 · Kettle's Yard 95August 1956 (Val d'Orcia) (1956) by Ben NicholsonAugust 1956 (Val d'Orcia)1956 · Tate Modern 961946 (window in Cornwall) (1946) by Ben Nicholson1946 (window in Cornwall)1946 · The Whitworth 97date unknown (king III) by Ben Nicholsondate unknown (king III)Pallant House Gallery 981926 (still life with fruit – version 2) (1926) by Ben Nicholson1926 (still life with fruit – version 2)1926 · British Council Collection 991934 (relief) (1934) by Ben Nicholson1934 (relief)1934 · Kettle's Yard 1001924 (goblet and two pears) (1924) by Ben Nicholson1924 (goblet and two pears)1924 · Kettle's Yard

Ben Nicholson's famous paintings, period by period

Early Period

1924 – 1932 · 5 works in this list
c.1922 (Balearic Islands) (1924), Ben Nicholson #13 c.1922 (Balearic Islands) 1924 · Kettle's Yard 1928 (three mugs and a bowl) (1928), Ben Nicholson #26 1928 (three mugs and a bowl) 1928 · Jerwood Gallery c.1932 (Bistre 11) (1932), Ben Nicholson #40 c.1932 (Bistre 11) 1932 · Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery 1928 (foothills, Cumberland) (1928), Ben Nicholson #89 1928 (foothills, Cumberland) 1928 1932 (Talc de Coty) (1932), Ben Nicholson #90 1932 (Talc de Coty) 1932 · The Pier Arts Centre

Mature Period

1925 – 1950 · 18 works in this list
1946 (cerulean abstraction) (1946), Ben Nicholson #1 1946 (cerulean abstraction) 1946 · Pallant House Gallery 1932–33 (musical instruments) (1933), Ben Nicholson #7 1932–33 (musical instruments) 1933 · Kettle's Yard 1932 (Au Chat Botté) (1932), Ben Nicholson #8 1932 (Au Chat Botté) 1932 Jan 27 1933 (1933), Ben Nicholson #9 Jan 27 1933 1933 1932 (Auberge de la Sole Dieppoise) (1932), Ben Nicholson #10 1932 (Auberge de la Sole Dieppoise) 1932

Early Modern

1919 – 1936 · 5 works in this list
1917 (portrait of Edie) (1919), Ben Nicholson #20 1917 (portrait of Edie) 1919 circa 1936 (sculpture) (1936), Ben Nicholson #48 circa 1936 (sculpture) 1936 1934 6 (painting still life) (1934), Ben Nicholson #49 1934 6 (painting still life) 1934 Exhibition Sign (1933), Ben Nicholson #72 Exhibition Sign 1933 · Kettle's Yard 1926 (still life with fruit – version 2) (1926), Ben Nicholson #98 1926 (still life with fruit – version 2) 1926 · British Council Collection

The subjects that held Ben Nicholson's eye

The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.

Geometric shapes 10 works

1932–33 (musical instruments) (1933), Ben Nicholson #7 1932–33 (musical instruments) 1933 · Kettle's Yard 1932 (Au Chat Botté) (1932), Ben Nicholson #8 1932 (Au Chat Botté) 1932 1932 (prince and princess) (1932), Ben Nicholson #11 1932 (prince and princess) 1932 · Walker Art Gallery 1930 (Christmas night) (1930), Ben Nicholson #16 1930 (Christmas night) 1930 · Kettle's Yard

Geometric 9 works

1934 (painted relief) (1934), Ben Nicholson #3 1934 (painted relief) 1934 · University of Hertfordshire 1944–5 (painted relief) (1945), Ben Nicholson #22 1944–5 (painted relief) 1945 · The Pier Arts Centre 1934 6 (painting still life) (1934), Ben Nicholson #49 1934 6 (painting still life) 1934 1932 (Talc de Coty) (1932), Ben Nicholson #90 1932 (Talc de Coty) 1932 · The Pier Arts Centre

Abstract 7 works

1932 (Auberge de la Sole Dieppoise) (1932), Ben Nicholson #10 1932 (Auberge de la Sole Dieppoise) 1932 Still Life (1950), Ben Nicholson #80 Still Life 1950 · MAM Rio 1934 (relief) (1934), Ben Nicholson #99 1934 (relief) 1934 · Kettle's Yard 1934 (painted relief) (1934), Ben Nicholson #3 1934 (painted relief) 1934 · University of Hertfordshire

British art 5 works

1946 (cerulean abstraction) (1946), Ben Nicholson #1 1946 (cerulean abstraction) 1946 · Pallant House Gallery 1927 (Winifred and Jake) (1928), Ben Nicholson #14 1927 (Winifred and Jake) 1928 · Pallant House Gallery 1917 (portrait of Edie) (1919), Ben Nicholson #20 1917 (portrait of Edie) 1919 1936 (white relief sculpture version 1) (1936), Ben Nicholson #45 1936 (white relief sculpture version 1) 1936

The museums that keep Ben Nicholson's originals

The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.

Museum City Works by Ben Nicholson Paintings from this list
Kettle's Yard, CambridgeKettle's Yard Cambridge 17 1932–33 (musical instruments), c.1922 (Balearic Islands), 1930 (Christmas night)
The Pier Arts Centre, StromnessThe Pier Arts Centre Stromness 9 1944–5 (painted relief), 1929 (fireworks), 1935 (painting)
Pallant House Gallery, ChichesterPallant House Gallery Chichester 8 1946 (cerulean abstraction), 1927 (Winifred and Jake), 1925 (landscape)
The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.The Phillips Collection Washington, D.C. 5 December 13-17 1947 (Trendine 2), March 17 1950 (still life), February 1955 (talisman)
British Council Collection, LondonBritish Council Collection London 4 March 1949 (Trencrom), 1926 (still life with fruit – version 2)
Abbot Hall Art Gallery, KendalAbbot Hall Art Gallery Kendal 3 1932 (crowned head the queen), 1930–1936 (composition still life)
Dudmaston HallDudmaston Hall 2 Composition, Four Squares, Two Circles
Arts Council Collection, LondonArts Council Collection London 3 May 1956 (hendrifter)

Ben Nicholson, one signature painting per decade

Works per decade

Pick a decade to see the original that defines it.

Ben Nicholson's paintings: the gallery answers

Which Ben Nicholson painting is the most famous of all?Reveal the answer

1946 (cerulean abstraction) (1946), Pallant House Gallery, Chichester. 1933 (St Rémy self portrait with Barbara Hepworth) (1933) and 1934 (painted relief) (1934) come next.

How old was Ben Nicholson on completing 1946 (cerulean abstraction)?Reveal the answer

52 years old: 1946 (cerulean abstraction) dates from 1946, and Ben Nicholson was born in 1894.

Which are Ben Nicholson's top 10 paintings?Reveal the answer

1946 (cerulean abstraction), 1933 (St Rémy self portrait with Barbara Hepworth), 1934 (painted relief), 1928 (Walton Wood cottage no.1), 1948 (still life), 1924 (first abstract painting, Chelsea), 1932–33 (musical instruments), 1932 (Au Chat Botté), Jan 27 1933 and 1932 (Auberge de la Sole Dieppoise). The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.

How many works did Ben Nicholson create?Reveal the answer

Our catalog holds 127 works by Ben Nicholson, dated from 1914 to 1969.

Where do Ben Nicholson's most famous originals hang?Reveal the answer

Mostly in Kettle's Yard (Cambridge), The Pier Arts Centre (Stromness) and Pallant House Gallery (Chichester). The museum table above lists them all.

When did Ben Nicholson create the most famous paintings?Reveal the answer

In 1930s: 39 of the 100 works on this page were made then, 1933 (St Rémy self portrait with Barbara Hepworth) among them.

Which are Ben Nicholson's earliest and latest famous works?Reveal the answer

On this page, the earliest is 1914 (the striped jug) (1914) and the latest 1969 (Holkham Sands No. 1) (1969).

Which subjects did Ben Nicholson return to most?Reveal the answer

Geometric shapes (10), Geometric (9) and Abstract (7), across the 100 works on this page.

Which medium did Ben Nicholson work in most?Reveal the answer

Oil On Canvas, for 15 of the 100 works on this page.

Which movement is Ben Nicholson associated with?Reveal the answer

Cubism, judging by the originals on this page.

Which Ben Nicholson originals does the Kettle's Yard hold?Reveal the answer

1932–33 (musical instruments), c.1922 (Balearic Islands) and 1930 (Christmas night): the Kettle's Yard, Cambridge holds 11 of the works on this page.

Ben Nicholson: the artist

Ben Nicholson OM: A Life in Abstract Art

  • Born: April 10, 1894, Denham, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
  • Died: February 6, 1982, London, United Kingdom

Early Life and Artistic Training

  • Ben Nicholson was born into an artistic family; his father, Sir William Nicholson, and mother, Mabel Pryde, were both accomplished painters. This environment fostered a deep appreciation for art from a young age.
  • He received early education at Tyttenhangar Lodge Preparatory School, Seaford, Heddon Court, Hampstead, and Gresham's School in Holt, Norfolk.
  • Nicholson formally studied at the Slade School of Fine Art (1910-1911), where he was a contemporary of notable artists like Paul Nash, Stanley Spencer, Mark Gertler, and Edward Wadsworth. Anecdotally, he spent considerable time playing billiards during this period, finding aesthetic appeal in the game's geometry and movement.

Artistic Development and Influences

  • Early Works: Nicholson’s initial artistic endeavors involved naturalistic still lifes, influenced by his father’s style.
  • Cubist Influence: Around 1926, he began to explore abstraction, heavily influenced by Synthetic Cubism and the work of Pablo Picasso.
  • Neoplasticism & Primitive Style: A meeting with Piet Mondrian introduced him to Neoplasticism, while his encounter with Henri Rousseau sparked an interest in a primitive style. These influences significantly shaped his artistic direction.
  • Key Movements: Nicholson became involved with several important art movements of the time, including the Seven and Five Society (of which he was chair), Unit One, and Abstraction-Création.

Major Works and Artistic Style

  • Reliefs: Nicholson is particularly renowned for his abstract reliefs, beginning in 1933. These works combined painting with sculptural elements, creating a unique visual experience. The white reliefs of the mid-1930s are considered among his most significant achievements.
  • Still Lifes and Landscapes: While known for abstraction, Nicholson also produced compelling still lifes and landscapes, often incorporating geometric forms and muted colors.
  • The Nicholson Wall: A notable public work is the "Nicholson Wall," a mural created for the garden of Sutton Place in Guildford, Surrey, demonstrating his belief that abstract art should be accessible to a wider audience.
  • Materials & Techniques: He experimented with various materials and techniques, including oil paint, pencil, gravel, and masonite, often combining them in innovative ways.

Legacy and Historical Significance

  • Modern British Art: Ben Nicholson is recognized as a pivotal figure in modern British art, contributing significantly to the development of abstraction and relief sculpture.
  • International Recognition: His work garnered international acclaim, with exhibitions at prestigious venues like the Venice Biennale and retrospectives at major museums worldwide. He received numerous awards, including the Order of Merit in 1968.
  • Auction Records: Nicholson’s paintings command high prices at auction, reflecting their artistic merit and historical importance. For example, "Sept 53 (Balearic)" sold for $1,650,500 at Christie's New York in 2011, and “Fiddle and Spanish Guitar” fetched €3,313,000 at Christie’s Paris in 2012.
  • Influence on Subsequent Artists: Nicholson’s innovative approach to abstraction and his exploration of form and space have influenced generations of artists.
All 127 works by Ben Nicholson →