the collector's folio

Purvis Young Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Purvis Young our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Purvis Young · 1943 – 2010

Untitled

1978 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta · original 27 x 43 cm

Explore Purvis Young's 'Untitled' (1978): A chaotic mixed-media assemblage capturing Overtown, Miami’s energy. Expressionistic & raw, this aged piece reveals a fragmented memory.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22532 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23043 × 27 cm Commission at original size

Ritual Processional

1999 · Boca Raton Museum of Art, Boca Raton

Witness the vibrant ritual procession by Purvis Young! This captivating 1999 painting embodies Overtown's soul with its dynamic figures and bold colors, a testament to his unique artistic vision.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Carrying the Angel to the People

1994 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta · original 203 x 124 cm

Explore 'Carrying the Angel to the People' by Purvis Young (1943-2010). A vibrant mixed-media collage depicting urban life & social commentary. Expressive, chaotic, and full of symbolic energy.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$45026 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1154124 × 203 cm Commission at original size

Funeral Procession

1992 · Boca Raton Museum of Art, Boca Raton

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Warriors at Sunset

1999 · Boca Raton Museum of Art, Boca Raton

A powerful group of riders moves in a unified circle in Purvis Young's Warriors at Sunset, capturing the raw energy of 1999 street art and inviting you to bring this evocative piece of Miami history into your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17546 × 22 cm Commission this artwork

The Struggle

1973 · Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Cityscape with Cars

1987 · Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans

A vibrant urban scene capturing the bustling energy of city life through Purvis Young's expressive 1987 cityscape featuring cars and pedestrians, inviting you to bring this piece of street history into your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17534 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Angels from Heaven and Earth

Georgia Museum of Art, Athens

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17525 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled

1980 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta · original 74 x 58 cm

Purvis Young’s ‘Untitled’ captures the vibrant spirit of Overtown through textured drawings on found paper, depicting daily life with bold outlines and expressive colors. Explore this poignant work by the Miami artist and discover a unique perspective on resilience and memory.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27274 × 58 cm Commission at original size

Untitled

1980 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta · original 76 x 123 cm

Vibrant street-inspired figures dance across found paper in this evocative 1980 work by Purvis Young that captures the soulful essence of Miami's Overtown, inviting you to explore a unique piece of American art history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$420123 × 76 cm Commission at original size

Untitled

1980 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta

Explore Purvis Young’s ‘Untitled’ (1980): A layered abstraction of Miami life built from discarded books & found art. Expressive ink & texture capture Overtown's history & resilience. #PurvisYoung #AbstractArt #MiamiArt

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$27532 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Saints

1970 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta · original 76 x 50 cm

A dynamic scene of conflict unfolds in this vibrant 1970 wooden masterpiece by Purvis Young that captures the raw energy of Miami street life, inviting you to explore this powerful piece of contemporary history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25850 × 76 cm Commission at original size

Wild Horse and Rider

1993 · Boca Raton Museum of Art, Boca Raton

Explore 'Wild Horse and Rider' by Purvis Young – a vibrant, expressive painting bursting with energy & urban life. A key work by Miami artist known for social commentary & bold style.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17520 × 51 cm Commission this artwork

Angels Keep Watch

1999 · Boca Raton Museum of Art, Boca Raton

Angels Keep Watch by Purvis Young is a captivating painting featuring three faces adorned with glasses, reflecting Young’s artistic exploration of human expression and observation. Created in 1985-1999, it embodies his distinctive style—characterized by unconventional materials like pegboard and wood—and captures the spirit of Overtown's vibrant community.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Eye Over the City

1991 · Boca Raton Museum of Art, Boca Raton

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17520 × 49 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled

1980 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta

Dynamic basketball figures emerge from altered book pages in this expressive 1980 work by Purvis Young that captures the raw energy of street life and invites you to explore his unique artistic vision.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled

1980 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta

Experience Purvis Young’s ‘Untitled’ (1980). Intimate close-up of hand-drawn figures playing soccer in a worn book. A unique glimpse into Detroit street life & Young's raw, expressive style.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled

1980 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta · original 31 x 45 cm

Capturing the raw energy of a beach soccer match through expressive figures, this 1980 painting by Purvis Young invites you to bring the vibrant spirit of Miami street art into your private collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18745 × 31 cm Commission at original size

Untitled

1980 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta · original 74 x 116 cm

A poignant depiction of a man seated in a chair by Purvis Young captures the raw essence of 1980s street art through an evocative and soulful lens, inviting you to explore this powerful piece for your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17540 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$398116 × 74 cm Commission at original size

Jammin

1999 · Boca Raton Museum of Art, Boca Raton

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17549 × 20 cm Commission this artwork

Ocean

1975 · original 41 x 36 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17530 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18936 × 41 cm Commission at original size

Another killing last night

1978 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta · original 36 x 58 cm

Explore Purvis Young’s ‘Another Killing Last Night,’ a poignant sketch capturing urban grief & social commentary. Pen & ink, blues/black palette – a powerful social realist work.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$45040 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$48258 × 36 cm Commission at original size

Untitled

1980 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta

A chaotic assemblage of expressive ink drawings by Purvis Young captures the raw social energy and urban resilience of 1980s Miami, inviting you to explore this powerful piece of contemporary art history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17540 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled

1980 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta · original 31 x 47 cm

Purvis Young’s ‘Untitled’ (1980) presents a captivating juxtaposition of abstract expressionism within an aged book. Explore dark yellows & blacks, gestural brushwork, and symbolic themes – a unique piece by this influential American artist.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18947 × 31 cm Commission at original size

Untitled

1980 · Souls Grown Deep, Atlanta · original 27 x 43 cm

A vibrant sunrise over crashing waves and figures by Purvis Young captures the soulful energy of 1980s Miami through expressive textures, inviting you to explore this evocative piece from a legendary American artist.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 35 artworks by Purvis Young
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18043 × 27 cm Commission at original size

The artist

Purvis Young

1943 – 2010

Quick facts

Color intensitybalanced
Room fitcoffee shop, living room
Also known asبيرفيس يونغ, Пёрвис Янг
Born1943, Miami, United States
Art periodModern
Top-ranked workUntitled
Typical colorsputty
Lifespan67 years

Biography

A Life Forged in Overtown: The Story of Purvis Young

Purvis Young’s art wasn't born in a studio, but on the streets of Miami’s Overtown neighborhood—a place he didn’t just depict, but *lived* and breathed. Born in Liberty City in 1943, Young’s journey was one of self-discovery fueled by hardship, observation, and an unwavering dedication to translating the soul of his community onto any surface he could find. He wasn't formally trained; his education came from immersing himself in art books during a period of incarceration, and then through relentless study at Miami’s public libraries. This autodidacticism became central to his artistic identity—a refusal to conform to established norms, mirroring the resilience of Overtown itself. His early life was marked by challenges, including time spent in prison for breaking and entering, an experience that profoundly shaped his worldview and ultimately ignited a creative fire within him. Upon release, he didn’t seek out galleries or mentors; instead, he turned inward, finding inspiration in the decaying beauty and vibrant humanity surrounding him.

The Alchemy of Found Objects

Young's artistic process was as unique as his vision. He wasn’t interested in pristine canvases or expensive materials. Instead, he scavenged Overtown—a neighborhood undergoing dramatic change and decline—for discarded wood, scrap metal, old books, fragments of wallpaper, and anything else that caught his eye. These weren’t simply *materials*; they were the very essence of the community he sought to represent. He transformed these castoffs into powerful assemblages, layering drawings, paintings, and text in a chaotic yet strangely harmonious manner. This technique wasn't merely about resourcefulness; it was a deliberate act of reclamation—giving voice to the forgotten and overlooked. His work often features recurring motifs: horses symbolizing freedom, angels representing spirituality, and fragmented figures engaged in ritualistic acts, all rendered with an expressive rawness that conveys both despair and hope. The surfaces are textured, layered, and often distressed, mirroring the physical and emotional landscape of Overtown. He didn’t just paint *about* the neighborhood; he painted *with* it, incorporating its very fabric into his art.

Echoes of Influence and a Singular Voice

While largely self-taught, Young wasn't entirely isolated from artistic currents. The mural movement of the 1960s resonated with him, inspiring him to create large-scale works directly within Overtown—transforming dilapidated walls into vibrant canvases that documented the lives and struggles of its residents. He absorbed influences from a wide range of sources, evident in his eclectic style, yet he never imitated. His work possesses a distinct aesthetic—a raw energy, a chaotic beauty, and a poignant social commentary that sets him apart. Some critics have noted echoes of Expressionism and Surrealism in his imagery, but these are filtered through the unique lens of his personal experience and cultural context. He wasn’t interested in replicating existing styles; he was intent on forging his own visual language—one that could capture the complexities of urban life and the resilience of the human spirit. Purvis of Overtown, a 2006 documentary, offered a compelling glimpse into this process, revealing an artist deeply connected to his community and driven by an inner compulsion to create.

Recognition and Lasting Legacy

For years, Young’s work circulated primarily within a devoted local following. Collectors like Jane Fonda, Damon Wayans, Jim Belushi, and Dan Aykroyd recognized the power and originality of his vision early on, providing crucial support during a time when mainstream art institutions largely overlooked him. The documentary Purvis of Overtown brought wider attention to his life and work, but it was ultimately the increasing recognition from museums and galleries that solidified his place in art history. Today, his paintings are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the American Folk Art Museum, the Pérez Art Museum Miami, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. In 2018, he was posthumously inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame—a testament to his enduring impact on the state’s artistic heritage.

A Chronicle of a Community

Purvis Young's significance extends far beyond aesthetics. His work serves as an invaluable historical document, preserving the memory of Overtown during a period of profound transformation and social upheaval. He captured the essence of a community facing displacement, poverty, and systemic injustice—giving voice to those who were often marginalized and ignored. His art is a powerful commentary on the African American experience in the South, exploring themes of resilience, spirituality, and the enduring search for dignity. Moreover, his success as a self-taught artist challenges conventional notions of artistic training, demonstrating that true creativity can flourish outside the confines of academia. He reminds us that art isn’t just about technical skill; it's about vision, passion, and the courage to tell your story—even when that story is difficult or uncomfortable. His legacy continues to inspire artists and viewers alike, urging us to look beyond the surface and engage with the complexities of the world around us.

Questions & Answers

What colors did Purvis Young use most often?

Purvis Young's use of color across the works listed on this website can be studied on the artist's Palette Genome page.

How do I find works by Purvis Young in a specific palette?

The By Palettes page groups Purvis Young's artworks by their color palettes.

Where can I see Purvis Young's artworks in chronological order?

Purvis Young's artworks can be seen in chronological order on the artist's Artwork Timeline page.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 2, 2026

Collector's quiz

Purvis Young was primarily self-taught. What significantly impacted his artistic development while incarcerated?
What was a defining characteristic of Purvis Young’s artistic technique?
Overtown, Miami, played a crucial role in Purvis Young’s work. How did he portray this neighborhood?
In what year was Purvis Young posthumously inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame?
Which of the following best describes Purvis Young's artistic style?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Purvis Young

Every artwork by Purvis Young in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by Purvis Young