Yves Klein is famous for his explorations into pure color—blue in particular.

Employing only his signature, patented pigment, International Klein Blue, the artist made iconic monochromes that aimed to bring art into the realm of pure, atmospheric feeling.

His practice, which also included sculpture and performances in which nude, paint-covered women served as Klein’s “living brushes,” proved essential in the development of mid-century movements such as Minimalism and Conceptual art.

Klein was born to two painters and was largely self-taught.

His work belongs in the collections of prestigious institutions including the Tate, the Museum of Modern Art, the Menil Collection, Moderna Museet, Fondazione Prada, and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation. His paintings have fetched prices in the tens of millions on the secondary market.