1
Your Guide to the 8 Most Famous Anne Ryan Paintings
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
Anne Ryan's best-known piece is Number 14 (1948). Next on the list are Untitled ( 36) (1948) and Untitled ( 461) (1952). We have 8 works by Anne Ryan in our catalogue; this guide picks out the 8 best known, with the year, the museum and the story of each piece.
1889 – 1954, Hoboken
Abstract expressionism
The 10 Anne Ryan paintings to know first
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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…
What Anne Ryan painted most
The four subjects that come up most often in these pieces, each with its best-known example.
Collage art 2 works
Year by year: the best-known Anne Ryan pieces
Anne Ryan's dated pieces here run from 1948 to 1953, only 6 years. Here they are, one year at a time.
Works per year
Pick a year to see its pieces.
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: quick answers about the paintings
What is Anne Ryan's best-known painting?See the answer
Top of the list is Number 14 (1948). Right behind it: Untitled ( 36) (1948) and Untitled ( 461) (1952).
What age was Anne Ryan when creating Number 14?See the answer
59 years old. Anne Ryan was born in 1889, and Number 14 dates from 1948.
How many works by Anne Ryan are in your catalogue?See the answer
We have 8 works by Anne Ryan in our catalogue, dated 1948 to 1953.
When did Anne Ryan make the most famous pieces?See the answer
In 1948, more than any other time: 2 of the 8 pieces on this page date from then, Number 14 among them.
What are Anne Ryan's first and last famous pieces?See the answer
The earliest piece here is Number 14 (1948); the most recent is Untitled ( 424) (1953).
What style or movement is Anne Ryan known for?See the answer
Abstract expressionism, as you can see in the pieces on this page.
Where can I order a Anne Ryan reproduction?See the answer
Yes. Every painting on this page is available as a hand-painted oil reproduction or a print, in the size that suits you. Just open the painting's page to order.
Anne Ryan's story
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.