Werner Drewes Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Werner Drewes Art Value Price Guide

Aug. 11, 2026
Werner Drewes (German/American) Color lithograph "Montblanc-ca. 1952. (no. 156). Carlo Carra (Italy) Etching- La casa dell 'more I (The House of Love I) - 1924. pencil signed and numbered 16/25. Max Liebermann lithograph titled "Soldat
Est: $100 - $1,000
Werner Drewes (German/American) Color lithograph "Montblanc-ca. 1952. (no. 156). Carlo Carra (Italy) Etching- La casa dell 'more I (The House of Love I) - 1924. pencil signed and numbered 16/25. Max Liebermann lithograph titled "Soldat auf galoppierendem Pferd" (Soldier on a Galloping Horse) Overall 18-3/4 x 14-3/4 inches. Isabel Bishop Etching 28/50 7 x 5 inches. Overall 18-3/4 x 14-3/4 inches. Leanard Baskin Etching sight 4 x 6 inches. Overall 12-1/2 x 14-1/2 inches.
Bill Hood & Sons Arts & Antiques Auctions
Aug. 08, 2026
Werner Drewes (American, 1899-1985) drawing
Est: $150 - $250
Landscape graphite on paper, 1935, signed Drewes. 1935 lower right. 11 3/4 x 18"
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Aug. 08, 2026
Werner Drewes (American, 1899-1985) watercolor
Est: $200 - $400
Evening, Near Leeds watercolor on paper, signed Drewes lower right. 8 1/2 x 11 1/2"
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Jul. 27, 2026
Werner Drewes (German, American 1899-1985) Cubist Abstract Color Woodcut. Signed, 1971
Est: $300 - $600
Cubist Abstract Forest Landscape. Original modernist color woodcut by Werner Drewes. Pencil signed and edition numbered in pencil on lower margins. Drewes, 1971. Edition: 18 / XL. Dimensions: framed: 19 1/4" x 15 3/4" (without glass)., sight: 12 1/2" x 21". Color woodcut on wove paper. Condition: good original estate condition. Provenance: N.Y.C. Estate. We offer in-house shipping or pick-up in N.Y.C. or Hudson Valley, NY.
Kensington Estate Auctions
Jul. 27, 2026
Werner Drewes (German American, 1899-1985) Abstract Color Woodcut
Est: $300 - $600
Cascading Abstraction. Werner Drewes original limited edition color woodcut, hand-signed and edition numbered in pencil (view lower margins). Drewes. Nu. 3. Woodcut on wove paper. Framed under glass. Dimensions: framed: 21 /4" x 15 3/4"., sight: 17 1/2" x 12". Condition: good original framed estate condition. Provenance: New York City Estate. We offer in-house shipping or pick-up in N.Y.C. or Hudson Valley, N.Y.
Kensington Estate Auctions
Jul. 16, 2026
Werner Drewes, Garden with Lilac and Azaleas in Bloom
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Werner Drewes Garden with Lilac and Azaleas in Bloom 1968 oil on canvas in artist's frame 24 h x 34 w in (61 x 86 cm) Signed to lower left 'Drewes'. Signed, titled, and dated to verso 'Drewes Garden with Lilac + Azaleas in Bloom 68'. This work is registered with the Estate of Werner Drewes as #1105. Sold with a statement of authenticity from the Estate of Werner Drewes. Provenance: Collection of E. Germann, Sparta, NJ | Private Collection, Maplewood, MN | Private Collection This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Wright
Jun. 17, 2026
Werner Drewes (American/German, 1899–1985) Early Snow in the Delaware Valley, 1969
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Werner Drewes (American/German, 1899–1985) Early Snow in the Delaware Valley, 1969 oil on canvas signed Drewes (lower left) 17 x 35 in. This lot is located in Philadelphia.
Freeman’s
Jun. 16, 2026
Werner Drewes, (1899-1985)
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Werner Drewes (1899-1985) Two related works: Study for "Expanding Forces," 1971 Collage of cut and torn paper on paper mounted to board Signed in ink lower center: Drewes; dated and with the artist's peace cipher in ink lower right: 7 [peace symbol] 1; signed again and extensively inscribed in ink, verso: before 1972 / Coll. #94 / for bl[?]. wg[?]. w. c. print #334 / used as poster design / for Wash. Print Coll. Club - 1976 / W. Drewes Image: 5.375" H x 4.375" W; Sheet: 5.875" H x 4.875" W; Board mount: 7.25" H x 5.75" W "Expanding Forces," 1974 Woodcut in colors on laid Japan paper 18/30 (from the edition of 30 numbered in Roman numerals) Signed, titled, dated, and inscribed/numbered in pencil in the lower margin (directly below the image as well as along the lower margin edge): Drewes - 74 - / #334 'Expanding Force' - A - / Nr.18/XXX Image: 15" H x 11.125" W; Sheet: 23" H x 19" W (irreg.)
John Moran Auctioneers
Jun. 16, 2026
Werner Drewes (1899-1985), "Abstract #1," 1944
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Werner Drewes (1899-1985) "Abstract #1," 1944 Oil on board Signed and dated and with the artist's peace cipher lower left: Drewes 4 [peace symbol] 4; titled on a gallery label affixed to the frame's verso
John Moran Auctioneers
Jun. 16, 2026
Werner Drewes (1899-1985), "Abstract #2"
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Werner Drewes (1899-1985) "Abstract #2" Oil on canvasboard Signed and with the artist's peace cipher lower center: Drewes; titled on a label affixed verso
John Moran Auctioneers
Jun. 11, 2026
Werner Drewes: Old Houses in Harlem
Est: €4,000 - €6,000
DREWES , WERNER 1899 Kanig/Brandenburg–1985 Reston/Virginia Title: Old Houses in Harlem. Date: 1933. Technique: Oil on canvas. Measurement: 41 x 71.5 cm. Notation: Signed and inscribed lower left: Drewes. Here additionally equipped with artist's signet. Verso upper left Landschaft mit Laterne und Schornstein once more inscirbed with artist's signet. Frame: Framed. Estimated shipping costs for this lot: The lot is unsuitable for parcel shipping. Transport only by shipping company after consultation following the auction. additional shipping insurance Shipping insurance up to total invoice amount of 25,000 Euros: max. 41.65 Euro over a total invoice amount of 25,000 Euros: 1.8 o/oo USA by individual arrangement after the auction. #Werner Drewes #Bauhaus #Hard-Edged #USA #Modern Art #1930s #Village Life #Painting #Modern Art. In accordance with §26 UrhG (German Copyright Act), VAN HAM is obliged to pay a statutory resale royalty on the sale proceeds of all original works of fine art and photography whose authors have not been deceased for 70 years prior to the end of the calendar year of the sale. The buyer shall contribute 1.5% of the hammer price to this fee.
Van Ham Kunstauktionen
Jun. 06, 2026
Werner DREWES: "Composition IV Ornamental".
Est: $400 - $500
Werner DREWES (German American, 1899-1985): "Composition IV Ornamental". Woodcut on thin Japan paper, 1934. Reference: Rose 90. Edition of 20. Signed, titled, dated, and inscribed in pencil. Image size: 9 5/8 x 12 5/8 inches. Sheet size: 12 1/2 x 17 inches.
Armstrong Fine Art
May. 28, 2026
Werner Drewes, Nereid Leaning Forward
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Werner Drewes Nereid Leaning Forward 1951-52 celloprint in colors image: 22.5 h x 17.25 w in (57 x 44 cm) sheet: 26 h x 21 w in (66 x 53 cm) Signed and dated to lower right 'Drewes 52'. This work is artist's proof 1 of 3 apart from the edition of 10 prints of varying colorways. Sold with a letter of authenticity from the Estate of Werner Drewes. This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
May. 28, 2026
Werner Drewes, Four works
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Werner Drewes Four works 1950-68 oil on vellum sheet (largest): 10.75 h x 13.875 w in (27 x 35 cm) sheet (smallest): 9.25 h x 11.75 w in (23 x 30 cm) Lot includes Tropical City Scene; Cathedral in Morelia, Mexico; Canada Dry, Double XX; and Cafe on Lake Lemac (Leman). Signed, dated, and inscribed to lower edge of Tropical City Scene '860 1961 Drewes'. This work is registered with the Estate of Werner Drewes as #860. Signed and dated to lower edge of Canada Dry, Double XX 'Drewes 1950'. Inscribed to verso '593'. This work registered with the Estate of Werner Drewes as #593. Signed to lower right of Cafe on Lake Lemac (Leman) 'Drewes'. This work is registered with the Estate of Werner Drewes as #692A. Cathedral in Morelia, Mexico is registered with the Estate of Werner Drewes as #1100A. Sold with a letter of authenticity from Estate of Werner Drewes. This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
May. 28, 2026
Werner Drewes, Stones and Pine Needles (Under the Pine Tree)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Werner Drewes Stones and Pine Needles (Under the Pine Tree) 1958 oil on canvas in artist's frame 18 h x 22 w in (46 x 56 cm) Signed to lower left 'Drewes'. Signed, titled, dated and inscribed to verso 'Drewes Stones and Pine Needles 806 58'. This work is registered with the Estate of Werner Drewes as #806. Sold with a letter of authenticity from the Estate of Werner Drewes. Provenance: Collection of the artist's son, Harald Drewes | Childs Gallery, Boston | Private Collection This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
May. 28, 2026
Werner Drewes, Human Cocoons
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
Werner Drewes Human Cocoons 1946 oil on canvas 6.25 h x 8.375 w in (16 x 21 cm) Dated and inscribed to lower edge '#423A 46' with artist's symbol. This work is registered with the Estate of Werner Drewes as #423A. Sold with a letter of authenticity from the Estate of Werner Drewes. This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
May. 28, 2026
Werner Drewes, Garden with Lilac and Azalea in Bloom
Est: $12,000 - $18,000
Werner Drewes Garden with Lilac and Azalea in Bloom 1968 oil on canvas in artist's frame 24 h x 34 w in (61 x 86 cm) Signed to lower left 'Drewes'. Signed, titled and dated to verso 'Drewes Garden with Lilac + Azaleas in Bloom 68'. This work is registered with the Estate of Werner Drewes as #1105. Sold with a letter of authenticity from the Estate of Werner Drewes. Provenance: Collection of E. Germann, Sparta, NJ | Private Collection This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
May. 20, 2026
Werner Drewes Southern Harbor AAA Signed Woodcut 1964
Est: $200 - $400
Drewes, Werner (Turkish/American, 1899-1985), Southern Harbor, 1964, color woodcut, signed, titled and numbered 96/100 in pencil to the lower edge, 11.5 x 16.5 inches, matted and framed 20 x 23.5 inches. Published by the Associated American Artists.
Concept Art Gallery
May. 14, 2026
Werner Drewes, Fight
Est: $8,000 - $10,000
Werner Drewes Fight 1945 oil and sand on canvas 18.25 h x 12.25 w in (46 x 31 cm) Signed to lower right 'Drewes'. Titled, dated, and inscribed to verso 'Fight 340 '45'. This work has been confirmed by the Estate of Werner Drewes and is sold with a letter of authenticity. Provenance: The Artist | ACA Galleries, New York | Estate of Larry Casper, past president of the Appraisers Association of America This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
May. 09, 2026
Werner Bernhard Drewes (German-American, 1899-1985). Giant Stag beetle (1956). Color Woodcut on Paper.
Est: $200 - $500
Sight Height 16.5 in., Width 28 in. Framed Height 24.25 in., Width 34.25 in. Signed, numbered, and dated lower right. Edition 19/30. Born in Germany, Werner Drewes began studying art in the 1920s in Stuttgart and then in Weimar, where he studied at the Bauhaus with artists Paul Klee, Johannes Itten, and Lyonel Feininger. Drewes was drafted into the army at age 18 and served in France on the Western Front of World War I until the end of the war. In the late 1920s after traveling abroad, Drewes resumed his study at the Bauhaus with Lazlo Moholy-Nagy and Wassily Kandinsky. In 1930, as the rise of Fascism grew in Germany, Drewes decided to emigrate to the U.S. where in 1936, he became an American citizen. Living in New York, Drewes actively exhibited his work for which he received praise and great reviews in The New York Times and New York Evening Post. In 1934, Drewes began his lengthy career as an art educator, teaching printmaking, drawing, and painting at a variety of museums and art institutions, eventually ending up in 1946 on the faculty of Washington University in St. Louis where he befriended Max Beckmann, who was also teaching at the University. Drewes retired in 1965 moving first to Pennsylvania and then to Virginia, where he continued his prolific studio art career until his death in 1985. In 1984, the Smithsonian American Art Museum presented a large retrospective exhibition devoted entirely to his printmaking. This fabulous small edition woodcut print encompasses all of the sensibilities one might expect to see in a mid-century modern artwork by a massively skilled printmaker such as Werner Drewes. The imagery includes a giant beetle depicted in grays, browns, yellow, and black.
Woodard Lipe
May. 03, 2026
WERNER DREWES, (German, 1899-1985), Nausikaa, 1951, celloprint on paper, sight: 20 1/2 x 15 3/8 in., frame: 28 3/4 x 23 1/4 in.
Est: $300 - $500
WERNER DREWES (German, 1899-1985) Nausikaa 1951, celloprint on paper numbered 5/X lower left and signed and dated Drewes -51 lower right
Grogan & Company
May. 03, 2026
WERNER DREWES, (German, 1899-1985), Untitled, 1944, engraving on paper, sight: 14 3/8 x 7 1/2 in., frame: 21 1/2 x 14 1/2 in.
Est: $700 - $1,000
WERNER DREWES (German, 1899-1985) Untitled 1944, engraving on paper numbered I/XXX lower left and signed and dated Drewes '44 lower right
Grogan & Company
Apr. 18, 2026
Werner Drewes - Florida Sunset
Est: -
WERNER DREWES (1899 Canig - 1985 Reston) Florida Sunset Farbholzschnitt auf Reispapier. 40 x 28,5 cm. In Passepartout hinter Glas gerahmt. Links unten Auflage 20/XXX. Rechts unten in Blei signiert.
Kunstauktionshaus Leipzig
Apr. 17, 2026
WERNER DREWES (1899-1985). Spin-Off. oil on canvas40 x 46 in. (101.6 x 116.
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
WERNER DREWES (1899-1985). Spin-Off. oil on canvas40 x 46 in. (101.6 x 116.8 cm.).
Christie's
Mar. 25, 2026
Werner Drewes, Untitled (four works)
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Werner Drewes Untitled (four works) 1933, 1944 watercolor on paper; watercolor on paper mounted to card; watercolor with ink and brush on paper sight (largest): 8 h x 10.25 w in (20 x 26 cm) sight (smallest): 8.25 h x 6.25 w in (21 x 16 cm) Signed and dated to lower edge of two works 'Drewes 44' with artist's monogram. Inscribed to verso of one work 'A. 149'. Signed to lower left of additional work 'Drewes' with artist's monogram. Dated and inscribed to lower edge of final work 'Scyarchittcture 33 A. 43' with artist's monogram. Provenance: Martin Diamond Fine Arts, New York | Graham Galleries, New York | Private Collection, New York This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Mar. 24, 2026
Werner Drewes (American/German 1899-1985), At Play No. 1, Lithograph in Color Signed and Dated 78 l.r., and Numbered 8/XX, l.l., Frame: 23 x 36 in. (58.4 x 91.4 cm.), Image size: 11 1/4 x 24 1/2 in. (28.6 x 62.2 cm.)
Est: $200 - $400
Werner Drewes (American/German 1899-1985), At Play No. 1, Lithograph in Color Signed and Dated 78 l.r., and Numbered 8/XX, l.l., Property from a Prominent Potomac Collection
Weschler's
Mar. 24, 2026
Werner Drewes (American/German, 1899-1985), Abstract Landscape, Woodcut in Color Signed and Dated 83 l.r., and Numbered 11/XX l.l., Frame: 24 1/4 x 27 in. (61.6 x 68.6 cm.)
Est: $100 - $300
Werner Drewes (American/German, 1899-1985), Abstract Landscape, Woodcut in Color Signed and Dated 83 l.r., and Numbered 11/XX l.l., Property from a Prominent Potomac Collection
Weschler's
Mar. 24, 2026
Werner Drewes (German/American 1899-1995), Romain Rolland, Woodcut on Japanese Paper, Signed and Dated 1932 l.r. and Numbered out of XXX, (Possibly PM 1) l.l., Frame: 26 3/4 x 21 3/4 in. (67.9 x 55.2 cm.)
Est: $300 - $500
Werner Drewes (German/American 1899-1995), Romain Rolland, Woodcut on Japanese Paper, Signed and Dated 1932 l.r. and Numbered out of XXX, (Possibly PM 1) l.l., Property from a Prominent Potomac Collection
Weschler's
Mar. 24, 2026
Werner Drewes (American/German 1899-1985), Aquatic Ballet, Woodcut in Color, Signed and Dated 79 l.r., and Numbered 18/XXX l.l., Frame: 24 1/2 x 29 1/2 in. (62.2 x 74.9 cm.)
Est: $300 - $500
Werner Drewes (American/German 1899-1985), Aquatic Ballet, Woodcut in Color, Signed and Dated 79 l.r., and Numbered 18/XXX l.l., Property from a Prominent Potomac Collection
Weschler's
Mar. 24, 2026
Werner Drewes (American/German 1899-1985), Diving, Woodcut in Color, Signed and Dated 1951 l.r., Titled and Numbered 3/X l.l., Frame: 23 x 19 1/4 in. (58.4 x 48.9 cm.)
Est: $100 - $300
Werner Drewes (American/German 1899-1985), Diving, Woodcut in Color, Signed and Dated 1951 l.r., Titled and Numbered 3/X l.l., Property from a Prominent Potomac Collection
Weschler's
Mar. 24, 2026
Werner Drewes (German/American 1899-1995), Harlem Beauty, Woodcut on Japanese Paper, Signed and Dated 1930 l.r. and Numbered I/ XXX l.l., Frame: 24 x 20 in. (61 x 50.8 cm.)
Est: $200 - $400
Werner Drewes (German/American 1899-1995), Harlem Beauty, Woodcut on Japanese Paper, Signed and Dated 1930 l.r. and Numbered I/ XXX l.l., Property from a Prominent Potomac Collection
Weschler's
Mar. 17, 2026
Werner Drewes, Figure Study II; Back View; Male Model; Mann und Frau and Pine Forest (four works)
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Werner Drewes Figure Study II; Back View; Male Model; Mann und Frau and Pine Forest (four works) 1919, 1926, 1955 etching; woodcut in colors; woodcut sight (largest): 8.5 h x 16.875 w in (22 x 43 cm) sight (smallest): 9.75 h x 6.375 w in (25 x 16 cm) Signed and dated to lower margin of two works 'W. Drewes - 1926'. Signed, dated and numbered to lower margin of Mann und Frau '27/XXX Drewes - 55 -'. This work is number 27 from the edition of 30. Illegibly signed, titled and dated to lower margin of Pine Forest 'W. Drewes - 1919'. This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Mar. 14, 2026
Werner Drewes, American/German (1899-1985), Female Nude, 1949, etching with drypoint, ed. 2/XX
Est: $400 - $500
Werner Drewes American/German, (1899-1985) Female Nude, 1949 etching with drypoint, ed. 2/XX signed and numbered in pencil lower margin, framed.
Link Auction Galleries
Mar. 14, 2026
Werner Drewes, American/German (1899-1985), Still Life with Pears / Two Pears, 1951 (Rose 149), woodcut and celloprint on Japon, ed. 5/X
Est: $400 - $600
Werner Drewes American/German, (1899-1985) Still Life with Pears / Two Pears, 1951 (Rose 149) woodcut and celloprint on Japon, ed. 5/X signed, dated, and numbered in pencil lower margin, unframed. Provenance: The Estate of John Wehmer, St. Louis
Link Auction Galleries
Mar. 12, 2026
Werner Drewes, American/German 1899-1985, Abstract, Pencil on Paper
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Werner Drewes American/German, 1899-1985 Abstract Pencil on Paper Signed l.r.
Nye & Company
Feb. 26, 2026
Abstraction
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Property from the Estate of Myron Kaplan Werner Drewes 1899 - 1985 Abstraction signed with the artist’s monogram and dated 44 (lower right) oil on canvas 6 ¾ by 10 ⅜ in. 17.2 by 26.4 cm. Executed in 1944.
Sotheby's
Feb. 22, 2026
WERNER DREWES (1899-1985) OIL ON CANVAS
Est: $18,000 - $24,000
Werner Drewes (1899-1985) Counterbalance 1937 The fine geometric abstraction form 1937 is signed and dated in the image with the artist's cipher and again verso on the wood stretcher bar where the title is found in pencil along with the artists' inventory entry of #84 A. Card catalog number A-84 is painted on the canvas as well within a box. Werner Drewes taught painting at Washington University in St. Louis from 1946 to 1965. He had studied under Klee, Kandinsky, and Feininger at the revolutionary German art school Bauhaus before emigrating to the United States in 1930. A founding member of the American Abstract Artists in New York, he played a central role in advancing abstraction in America through exhibitions, WPA leadership, and teaching in New York and at the Chicago School of Design. In 1946, he accepted a tenured position at Washington University in St. Louis, where he taught for nineteen years, bringing Bauhaus principles to the Midwest and influencing hundreds of painters. His work is held in all the major American museums and ongoing exhibitions include ' Bauhaus Returns to Bethesda, Works on Paper of W. Drewes.' Bethesda, MD. in 2024. Canvas measures 20 x 27.75 with a framed size of 25.25 x 33 inches. Without proof of exemption, be aware that internet sales tax applies to all Internet transactions and local sales tax may apply to local pick-up transactions. We happily provide seamless in-house packing and shipping services on nearly everything we sell. Until further notice, we cannot offer international shipping in-house.
Soulis Auctions
Feb. 07, 2026
Drewes, Werner
Est: -
Drewes, Werner 1899-1985, Kohlezeichnung, en face-Bildnis eines Mannes, unten links Widmung, unten rechts signiert mit Drewes, Gebr.sp., H. 64. B. 49, o. Ra.
Das Auktionshaus Pforzheim
Feb. 07, 2026
Drewes, Werner
Est: -
Drewes, Werner 1899-1985, Holzschnitt, en face-Bildnis eines Mannes, unten links Nummer 20/XXX, unten rechts signiert mit Drewes, Gebr.sp., H. 61. B. 49, o. Ra.
Das Auktionshaus Pforzheim
Feb. 03, 2026
Werner Drewes (American, 1899-1985)
Est: $100 - $200
Werner Drewes (American, 1899-1985) "Reflections, No. 10", 1959, Woodblock Print in color, signed, numbered and dated. Framed. Size: 11.5'' x 20.75'', 29 x 53 cm (sight); 19.5'' x 28.75'', 50 x 73 cm (frame). Provenance: Collection of Dr. and Mrs. Albert and Carol Rosenthal/Estate of Carol Rosenthal.
Material Culture
Jan. 28, 2026
Werner Drewes, Untitled (#391)
Est: $8,000 - $10,000
Werner Drewes Untitled (#391) 1944 oil on canvas 18.25 h x 22 w in (46 x 56 cm) Dated with artist's device to lower right and verso '44'. Provenance: The Artist | Private Collection | Vallarino Fine Art, New York | Private Collection This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Jan. 07, 2026
Werner Drewes, German American (1899-1985), Calm Morning, 1959, woodcut, 15 1/2"H x 30 3/4"W
Est: $300 - $500
Werner Drewes German American, (1899-1985) Calm Morning, 1959 woodcut Pencil signed lower right, numbered 92/200. Biography from Williams American Art Galleries: Werner Drewes received his first instruction in art as a child in the village of Conig, East Germany, where he was born in 1899. He served in World War I, after which he had his first formal training at Stuttgart where he studied architecture and design. He later studied under Paul Klee, Oskar Schlemmer, and Johannes Itten at the Bauhaus at Weimar. In 1923, the artist traveled throughout Europe studying the work of the Old Masters. While in Italy, Drewes married and the couple continued traveling through Europe and then on the South and Central America. They continued on crossing the United States and then on to Korea, Japan, Manchuria, and Russia. The couple ended their travels in Berlin and Drewes resumed studies at the Bauhaus and then at Dessau. He also studied privately with Wassily Kandinsky and attended Hinnerk Sheper's mural tutorials. In 1930, Drewes and his family relocated to New York where he continued to work simultaneously in representational and abstract styles. The following year, he was introduced to a co-founder of the Societe Anonyme, Katherine Dreier, by Kandinsky. The introduction proved to be fruitful resulting in the first of several exhibitions with the Societe. The artist instructed in drawing and printmaking at the Brooklyn Museum School between 1934 and 1936. He joined the American Artists' Congress and became a founding member of the American Abstract Artists in 1937. That same year, he obtained United States citizenship. In 1940 and 1941, Drewes was the director of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) Graphic Arts Division in New York. Drewes returned to teaching at the Brooklyn Museum School in 1944. He also produced experimental intaglio prints as a member of Stanley William Hayter's Atelier 17. In 1945, the artist taught at the Institute of Design in Chicago. His longest held teaching position was at the School of Fine Arts at Washington University in St. Louis between 1946 and 1965. Throughout this time and into the 1970's, Drewes continued his work with printmaking as well as painted extensively. He passed away in 1985 in Reston, Virginia.
Ripley Auctions
Dec. 27, 2025
W. DREWES (1899-1985), Horizontal tree trunk, 1945, Chalk
Est: €750 - €1,000
Werner Drewes (1899 Canig (Lower Lusatia) - 1985 Reston (Virginia)): Horizontal tree trunk, 1945, Chalk Technique: Chalk on Paper Inscription: Lower right signed: "Drewes". Lower right dated: "45". Date: 1945 Description: Memorable and colourful drawing of a felled tree trunk. The work is particularly captivating because of the contrast between fresh, bright colour and the black that Drewes chose for the shadowed areas between the surrounding tree trunks. Werner Drewes studied at the Bauhaus in Weimar in the 1920s under Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, Johannes Itten, Lyonel Feininger and László Moholy-Nagy, among others. He travelled in Europe, North America and Asia. In 1930 Drewes left Germany and went to New York City, where he taught at Columbia University, among other places. From 1946 professor of design at Washington University in St. Louis and friendship with Max Beckmann. Provenance: Keywords: Expressionism, Nature, United States of America, USA, Forest, American, 20th century, Modern, Still Life, Germany, Size: Paper: 12,6 cm x 20,2 cm (5 x 8 in)
Fichter Kunsthandel
Dec. 16, 2025
Group of Three Works of Art, Each Signed and One Framed, Including a Werner Drewes (American/German 1899–1985), Landscape, Lithograph in Color, Signed l.r., Largest unframed: 28 x 34 1/2 in. (71.1 x 87.6 cm.)
Est: $10 - $20
Group of Three Works of Art, Each Signed and One Framed, Including a Werner Drewes (American/German 1899–1985), Landscape, Lithograph in Color, Signed l.r.,
Weschler's
Dec. 13, 2025
Drewes, Werner O.T. (geometrische Komposition). 1976. Bleistift auf festem …
Est: - €900
Classical Modernism Bauhaus Drewes, Werner O.T. (geometrische Komposition). 1976. Bleistift auf festem Velin. 30,5 x 23 cm. (33,7 x 26 cm ). Mit Künstlersignet und datiert. - Vereinzelt griffspurig. Im rechten unteren Rand minimal gegilbte Spuren. Dezent knickspurig. Aufgrund der Materialität, feine Bleistiftschlieren im Rand umlaufend. Verso im oberen Rand mit früheren Montagespuren. Insgesamt sehr gut. Prachtvolle und zarte Komposition mit Rand. Die geometrische Komposition von Werner Drewes aus dem Jahr 1976 zeigt die späte Reife eines Künstlers, der als Mitbegründer der amerikanischen abstrakten Kunst gilt. In der Zeichnung wird Drewes' Verbindung zur Bauhaus-Ästhetik ebenso deutlich wie seine lebenslange Auseinandersetzung mit Struktur, Harmonie und visueller Balance. Mit feinem Bleistift konstruiert er ein spannungsvolles Gefüge aus Linien, Flächen und Rhythmen, das sowohl rational durchdacht als auch intuitiv empfunden wirkt. Drewes, der ab 1930 in den USA wirkte, entwickelte eine abstrakte Formensprache, die stets von einer tiefen humanistischen und gestalterischen Überzeugung getragen war. Die Zeichnung von 1976 bezeugt seine Fähigkeit, mit reduzierten Mitteln eine Komposition von stiller Strahlkraft zu schaffen. Im Dialog mit Künstlern wie Lyonel Feininger, Wassily Kandinsky oder später Josef Albers steht Drewes für eine moderne Kunst, die Geometrie als Ausdruck geistiger Ordnung versteht. Pencil on firm wove paper. Occasional traces of handling. Minimal yellowing in the lower right margin. Discreet crease marks. Due to the materiality, fine pencil streaks around the margin. Verso with earlier mounting marks in the upper margin. Overall very good. Splendid and delicate composition with margin. - Werner Drewes' geometric composition from 1976 shows the late maturity of an artist who is considered a co-founder of American abstract art. The drawing clearly shows Drewes' connection to Bauhaus aesthetics as well as his lifelong exploration of structure, harmony and visual balance. With fine pencil strokes, he constructs a tension-filled structure of lines, planes and rhythms that appears both rationally conceived and intuitively felt. Drewes, who worked in the United States from 1930 onwards, developed an abstract formal language that was always underpinned by a deep humanistic and creative conviction. The drawing from 1976 testifies to his ability to create a composition of quiet radiance with minimal means. In dialogue with artists such as Lyonel Feininger, Wassily Kandinsky and later Josef Albers, Drewes stands for a modern art that understands geometry as an expression of spiritual order.
Jeschke Jádi Auctions Berlin GmbH
Dec. 09, 2025
Werner Drewes (American/German, 1899-1985) Early Snow in the Delaware Valley, 1969
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Werner Drewes (American/German, 1899-1985) Early Snow in the Delaware Valley, 1969 oil on canvas signed Drewes (lower left) 17 x 35 in. This lot is located in Philadelphia.
Freeman’s
Dec. 09, 2025
Werner Drewes (American/German, 1899-1985) Winter Forest, 1964
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Werner Drewes (American/German, 1899-1985) Winter Forest, 1964 oil on canvas signed Drewes (lower left); signed and dated (on the reverse) 15 x 17 in. This lot is located in Philadelphia.
Freeman’s
Dec. 09, 2025
Werner Drewes (American/German, 1899-1985) Untitled (Abstract), 1964
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Werner Drewes (American/German, 1899-1985) Untitled (Abstract), 1964 oil on canvas signed Drewes (lower left) 24 x 34 in. This lot is located in Philadelphia.
Freeman’s