Biography
Vita Petersen (1915–2011) was a German American artist known for her contributions to Abstract Expressionism. Born in Berlin, Germany, she studied at the Berlin Academy and the Munich School of Fine Arts before fleeing to the United States in 1938 due to the political climate in Germany. Settling in New York, Petersen became an integral part of the city's vibrant art scene, studying under the influential artist Hans Hofmann and forming a close association with the New York Studio School, where she served as both a teacher and trustee. Petersen's work is characterized by its abstract form and expressive use of color, although later in her career she transitioned to black and white compositions due to deteriorating eyesight. Her connections with prominent figures in the art world, such as Mercedes Matter and photographer Walker Evans, who created a series of portraits of her, further cemented her status in the art community. Petersen exhibited widely, including at the renowned Betty Parsons Gallery, and her work continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and technical skill. Collectors value her paintings for their historical significance and their embodiment of the dynamic post-war art movement in America.
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Biography
Vita Petersen (1915–2011) was a German American artist known for her contributions to Abstract Expressionism. Born in Berlin, Germany, she studied at the Berlin Academy and the Munich School of Fine Arts before fleeing to the United States in 1938 due to the political climate in Germany. Settling in New York, Petersen became an integral part of the city's vibrant art scene, studying under the influential artist Hans Hofmann and forming a close association with the New York Studio School, where she served as both a teacher and trustee. Petersen's work is characterized by its abstract form and expressive use of color, although later in her career she transitioned to black and white compositions due to deteriorating eyesight. Her connections with prominent figures in the art world, such as Mercedes Matter and photographer Walker Evans, who created a series of portraits of her, further cemented her status in the art community. Petersen exhibited widely, including at the renowned Betty Parsons Gallery, and her work continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and technical skill. Collectors value her paintings for their historical significance and their embodiment of the dynamic post-war art movement in America.
Track Vita Petersen
Get notifications when works come to auction, and access market analytics
Create Free AccountAlready have an account? Sign In
Professional documentation gives you clarity, portability, and confidence in your collection.
Learn why collectors document their holdings onlineYour collection, accessible anywhere
Access your collection from any device with our cloud-based platform. Native mobile apps provide seamless synchronization and offline browsing, ensuring your collection data is always at hand.