Born in 1904, Willem De Kooning was the son of a wine and beer distributor and a barmaid in the Netherlands. He emigrated to the United States in 1926 as a stowaway, subsequently learning English while working as a house painter and commercial artist. His artistic career gained significant momentum with his first one-man show in 1948, at the age of 44. Three years later, his canvas "Excavation" received a major prize at the Art Institute of Chicago's 1951 exhibition, an event that helped validate abstract expressionism, an art movement emphasizing the depiction of emotion through shapes and colors. During the 1950s, De Kooning shifted his focus back to the human figure, dedicating three years to "Woman I," a work acquired by the Museum of Modern Art and which became the most frequently reproduced artwork of that decade, despite his own reservations about its completion.De Kooning married fellow painter Elaine Fried in 1943, though they later separated. He subsequently had a daughter, Lisa, with Joan Ward when he was 52. Elaine returned in 1978, providing support by helping him manage his heavy drinking and handling his affairs until her death in 1989. Despite an advancing diagnosis of Alzheimer's, De Kooning continued to paint daily in the late 1980s. Following a court battle in 1989, he was declared mentally incompetent, and control of his substantial estate was assigned to his attorney and his daughter. Willem De Kooning died in his studio in East Hampton, New York, on March 19, 1997.
Birth DateApril 24, 1904
Birth Time01:00 (Etc/GMT)
LocationRotterdam, Netherlands
House SystemPlacidus
NeptuneCancer3° 35'
8.0°
The foundation of your being is built upon the steadfast earth of Taurus, grounding your core identity in a deep appreciation for the tangible, the beautiful, and the enduring. With your Sun in Taurus and Mercury also gracing this sign, both situated in the communicative and intellectually curious third house, your mind is as practical as it is perceptive, drawn to understanding the mechanics of the world and expressing ideas with a grounded, reliable voice. This placement suggests a natural inclination towards learning and sharing knowledge, particularly concerning subjects that offer stability and sensory richness. Your Taurus Sun craves security and sensual pleasure, finding fulfillment in building, creating, and experiencing life through the five senses, while your Mercury in Taurus ensures your thoughts and speech are deliberate, thoughtful, and often focused on practical application and aesthetic refinement, especially within your immediate environment and local community.
The outward presentation of this individual is one of disciplined ambition and worldly wisdom, as indicated by the Capricorn Ascendant. There is an inherent gravitas and a sense of responsibility that precedes them, projecting an image of competence and a mature approach to life's challenges. Yet, beneath this composed exterior lies a passionate and demonstrative emotional nature. The Moon in Leo, residing in the house of partnership, reveals a deep-seated need for recognition, warmth, and creative expression within significant relationships. This Leo Moon brings a generous spirit and a desire to shine, often seeking partnerships where mutual admiration and vibrant emotional connection are paramount. While the Taurus Sun seeks steady growth and tangible rewards, the Leo Moon desires applause and heartfelt affirmation, creating a dynamic interplay between the need for security and the yearning for passionate engagement and enthusiastic validation in all close bonds.
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