Cy Twombly

Date of Birth: April 25, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: July 5, 2011

Biography

Cy Twombly, born Edwin Parker Twombly Jr., was an influential American painter, sculptor, and photographer known for his abstract expressionist and graffiti-like works. Twombly was born in Lexington, Virginia, and developed an early interest in art, eventually studying at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and later at Black Mountain College, where he was influenced by figures such as Robert Motherwell and Franz Kline. Twombly’s career took off in the 1950s and 1960s, with his distinctive style characterized by scribbles, scratches, and layers of dripped paint. His works often referenced classical mythology, poetry, and history, blending textual elements with visual abstraction. Twombly spent much of his life in Italy, where the rich cultural history further influenced his art. Over the decades, his work has been exhibited in major galleries and museums worldwide, solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary art.

5 Interesting Facts about Cy Twombly

1. Cy Twombly’s unique name “Cy” was a nickname given to him by his father, who was also nicknamed “Cy” after the famous baseball pitcher Cy Young.

2. Twombly served as a cryptologist in the U.S. Army during the early 1950s, which influenced his later works that often featured cryptic marks and codes.

3. He was awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale in 2001.

4. Twombly’s studio in Lexington, Virginia, was converted into a museum after his death, preserving his legacy and works.

5. One of Twombly’s paintings, “Untitled (New York City),” sold for $70.5 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2015, setting a record for his work.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Cy Twombly

1. “Each line now is the actual experience with its own innate history. It does not illustrate—it is the sensation of its own realization.”

2. “I swear if I ever read about me in a book, I’d be bored to death.”

3. “It’s more like I’m having an experience than making a picture.”

4. “I have my pace and rhythm, and I can go on for a long time.”

5. “The idea of a line, that’s what is important.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Cy Twombly’s net worth was estimated to be around $500 million, largely due to the high auction prices his artworks commanded.

Children

Cy Twombly had one son, Cyrus Alessandro Twombly, born in 1959, with his wife Tatiana Franchetti. Cyrus is also involved in the arts, primarily as a sculptor.