Willem de Kooning (1904–1997) was a Dutch-American abstract expressionist painter, widely recognized as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Originally from Rotterdam, he immigrated to the United States in 1926 and became a central figure in the New York School.

He is best known for his bold, gestural brushwork and emotionally charged compositions, particularly his "Women" series in the 1950s, which stirred both acclaim and controversy for their raw and aggressive depictions of the female form. His work bridges figurative and abstract styles, often shifting between them throughout his career.

De Kooning’s market remains robust, with major works regularly appearing at auction and in museum retrospectives. His painting Interchange (1955) sold privately for over $300 million in 2015, ranking among the most expensive artworks ever sold.