Origins & Early Life

Lenore "Lee" Krasner (born Lena Krassner; October 27, 1908 – June 19, 1984) was an American artist active primarily in New York whose work has been associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement. She received her early academic training at the Women's Art School of Cooper Union, and the National Academy of Design from 1928 to 1932. Krasner's exposure to Post-Impressionism at the newly opened Museum of Modern Art in 1929 led to a sustained interest in modern art. In 1937, she enrolled in classes taught by Hans Hofmann, which led her to integrate influences of Cubism into her paintings.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

During the Great Depression, Krasner joined the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project, transitioning to war propaganda artworks during the War Services era. By the 1940s, Krasner was an established figure among the American abstract artists of the New York School, with a network including painters such as Willem de Kooning and Mark Rothko. However, Krasner's career was often overshadowed by that of her husband, Jackson Pollock, whom she married in 1945. Their marriage was marred by Pollock's infidelity and alcoholism. Pollock's untimely death in a drunk-driving incident in 1956, which...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abraham Maslow — Contemporary (Born in 1908) (1908): Pioneering American psychologist known for the Hierarchy of Needs and self-actualization theory.
• Bette Davis — Contemporary (Born in 1908) (1908): Iconic Hollywood actress known for intense, unsympathetic, and sardonic performances.
• Claude Lévi-Strauss — Contemporary (Born in 1908) (1908): Pioneering structuralist anthropologist whose work redefined human culture and myth.
• Alfred Kastler — Contemporary (Died in 1984) (1984): Pioneering physicist known for developing the technique of optical pumping.
• Andrés Iniesta — Contemporary (Born in 1984) (1984): Legendary Spanish midfielder, celebrated for sublime ball control and agility.
• Andy Kaufman — Contemporary (Died in 1984) (1984): Pioneering performance artist known for anti-comedy and character work.
• Abu Bakr — Shared historical date (10-27 · Born) (573): First Rashidun Caliph and esteemed companion of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Bernie Wrightson — Shared historical date (10-27 · Born) (1948): Master American comic artist celebrated for intricate horror and science fiction illustration.
• Aage Bohr — Shared historical date (06-19 · Born) (1922): Pioneering Danish nuclear physicist, Nobel laureate for atomic structure theory.
• Alfred Baphethuxolo Nzo — Shared historical date (06-19 · Born) (1925): Prominent South African politician and long-serving ANC leader.
• 1908 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1908
• October 27 (10-27) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 27
• 1984 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1984
• June 19 (06-19) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 19