motherwell
Proper noun A surname, most notably referring to Robert Motherwell, an influential American abstract expressionist painter and printmaker.
This word is used almost exclusively as a proper noun to refer to the specific individual, Robert Motherwell, or to things directly associated with him (e.g., his artwork, his estate). * The museum acquired a major Motherwell for its modern art collection. * Her thesis focuses on the early influences on Motherwell. * The auction featured several works by Motherwell and his contemporaries.
- Used attributively (like an adjective) to describe works, styles, or periods associated with the artist.
- The gallery is hosting an exhibition of Motherwell prints.
- She is an expert on the Motherwell estate.
- Motherwellian (adj): A rarely used term describing something characteristic of or resembling the style of Robert Motherwell.
- The artist's bold, gestural strokes are distinctly Motherwellian.
- Robert Motherwell: The full name of the individual.
- The artist: A common reference within an artistic context where the subject is clear.
This is primarily a proper name (a surname) and does not have a general lexical meaning outside of its reference to the specific person. It is not used as a common noun (e.g., it does not mean "a type of well" or "a maternal figure"). Its definition is inextricably linked to the historical figure of the painter.
- United States abstract expressionist painter (1915-1991)