the collector's folio

Roman Opałka Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Roman Opałka our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Roman Opałka · 1931 – 2011

Antoninianus

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Discover Roman Opałka's 'Antoninianus,' a striking photographic study of an ancient coin. Explore its historical significance and the artist’s conceptual approach to numismatics & portraiture.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18132 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Detail 680350-707459

Museum Folkwang, Essen

Explore 'Detail 680350-707459' by Roman Opałka – a minimalist abstract work in muted grays & blues. Its textured surface and grid-like patterns evoke contemplation. A unique piece for art collectors.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Torso of a Fighting Giant

Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence · original 54 x 34 cm

Roman Opałka’s 'Torso of a Fighting Giant' – a neoclassical marble sculpture showcasing idealized human form. Explore this 1931 masterpiece’s texture, detail & timeless appeal.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20734 × 54 cm Commission at original size

Silver Coin

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Admire Roman Opałka's 'Silver Coin,' a captivating silver coin engraving showcasing Caesar Augustus. Explore classical realism & infinite numbering series by this influential French artist.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18132 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

table top

Biennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze, Florence · original 136 x 94 cm

A serene depiction of a blue-clothed table top featuring decorative details by Roman Opałka that captures a quiet moment of domestic elegance, inviting you to bring this contemplative atmosphere into your own collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18139 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$538136 × 94 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Augustus

Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence · original 24 x 20 cm

A meticulously crafted Roman head sculpture, likely a bust or portrait of Augustus. Featuring a distinctive profile with a prominent nose, it embodies the artistic vision of this influential French artist.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18132 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Coin of Vespasian

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Discover Roman Opałka's 'Coin of Vespasian,' a captivating ancient coin reproduction. Explore its weathered details and historical significance through WahooArt’s exquisite hand-painted reproductions.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18132 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Coin , Antoninianus

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Explore Roman Opałka’s striking silver Antoninianus coin – a photographic study of imperial power & antiquity. Discover this unique numismatic artwork's historical significance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18134 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Antoninianus

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18133 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Denarius of Emperor Tiberius

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18134 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Coin, Antony and Octavian

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18144 × 23 cm Commission this artwork

Denarius of Emperor Augustus

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18143 × 23 cm Commission this artwork

Couch decoration in the form of a horse

Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence · original 17 x 13 cm

Discover Roman Opałka's 'Couch decoration in the form of a horse,' a captivating bronze sculpture embodying strength and timeless beauty through minimalist realism. Explore its rich textures & symbolic depth.

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Torso of a Male Athlete (The Oil Pourer)

Roman Opałka’s ‘Torso of a Male Athlete’ – a striking marble sculpture embodying classical beauty & strength. Explore this unique piece's dramatic lighting & textural details.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Copper Coin

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18132 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Statue of the Aphrodite of Knidos

original 168 x 57 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$44157 × 168 cm Commission at original size

Tetradrachm of Nero

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18133 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Dionysus

original 63 x 132 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$40363 × 132 cm Commission at original size

Relief of a Falling Warrior

original 53 x 81 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$28281 × 53 cm Commission at original size

Sarcophagus (coffin)

Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence · original 85 x 233 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18139 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$748233 × 85 cm Commission at original size

Coin, Antoninianus

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18133 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Silver coin

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18132 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Tablet with Greek transcription of Letter from Emperor Hadrian to Common Assembly of Macedonians

View the most popular artwork of Roman Opałka ranked #23: Tablet with Greek transcription of Letter from Emperor Hadrian to Common Assembly of Macedonians

Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence · original 75 x 48 cm

An ancient stone tablet featuring a Greek transcription of Emperor Hadrian's letter to Macedon offers a profound glimpse into history, inviting you to explore this captivating piece of antiquity.

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Statue of a Youth, known as the

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18131 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Antoninianus of Constantius

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University, South Orange

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 34 artworks by Roman Opałka
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18133 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Roman Opałka

1931 – 2011

Quick facts

Copyright statusUnder copyright
Best occasionsaccent
Topics exploredtime, portraiture, numismatics, counting, roman empire
Top 3 worksAntoninianus, Detail 680350-707459, Torso of a Fighting Giant
Mediumsacrylic on canvas
Also known asرومان أوباتشكا, Роман Опалка, Ρόμαν Οπάουκα, Roman Opalka, ロマン・オパルカ
Creative periodsmature period, late period
Art periodModern

Biography

A Life Dedicated to Counting: The Singular Vision of Roman Opałka

Roman Opałka, born in 1931 in Abbeville-Saint-Lucien, France, to Polish parents, embarked on an artistic journey that defied conventional categorization. His life, marked by displacement and a profound engagement with philosophical inquiry, ultimately led him to create one of the most conceptually rigorous and emotionally resonant bodies of work in contemporary art. The family’s return to Poland in 1946 following World War II deeply impacted Opałka, shaping his early experiences and fueling a lifelong exploration of identity, memory, and the relentless passage of time. He initially trained in lithography at a graphics school in Łódź before continuing his artistic education at the School of Art and Design there, laying the groundwork for an approach that would transcend traditional mediums and embrace conceptual frameworks.

The Genesis of Infinity: OPALKA 1965/1 – ∞

Opałka’s career wasn't a linear progression through styles but rather a constant questioning of artistic boundaries, culminating in the monumental project that would define his legacy: OPALKA 1965/1 – ∞. Beginning on September 1st, 1965, he committed himself to painting canvases sequentially numbered from one onwards. Each canvas bore the next integer in the series, rendered in black against a stark white background. This wasn’t merely an exercise in enumeration; it was a profound meditation on time, mortality, and the human condition. As the numbers grew larger, they began to spill over the edges of the canvases, visually representing the inexorable march forward and the artist's own aging process. The scale of this undertaking is almost incomprehensible – 233 “Details” were completed during his lifetime, encompassing over five million numbers. He meticulously documented each stage, recording himself vocalizing the numbers in Polish before painting them, creating a multi-layered artwork that encompassed visual, auditory, and performative elements. The gradual lightening of the background, beginning in 1972 with the addition of one percent white to each successive canvas, further emphasized the passage of time and the approaching “horizon” of white on white – a symbolic vanishing point representing infinity.

Influences and Artistic Development

While Opałka’s work is often associated with minimalism due to its apparent simplicity, it's an oversimplification that belies the depth of his conceptual concerns. He was profoundly influenced by Marcel Duchamp, particularly Duchamp’s rejection of traditional artistic conventions and embrace of intellectual playfulness. The spirit of Dada and Surrealism also resonated within his early explorations. However, Opałka wasn’t simply mimicking existing movements; he was forging a unique path that drew upon diverse sources. His earlier works reveal a fascination with texture and abstraction, demonstrating a willingness to experiment with various materials and techniques before settling on the rigorous structure of the numbering series. He explored monochrome compositions – his “Chronomes” – and abstract drawings, constantly searching for a visual language capable of expressing his evolving philosophical ideas. These early experiments were crucial stepping stones toward the conceptual clarity and sustained commitment that characterized OPALKA 1965/1 – ∞.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Roman Opałka’s death in 2011 marked the end of an extraordinary artistic life, but his work continues to resonate with audiences today. His relentless dedication to a single, seemingly simple concept challenged conventional notions of artistic creation and offered a powerful meditation on mortality, infinity, and the human condition. His influence can be seen in the works of numerous artists who explore themes of repetition, sequence, and process-based art. Opałka’s project transcends the boundaries of painting; it is a philosophical statement, a performance piece, and a testament to the power of sustained artistic vision. His work remains relevant in contemporary discussions about time, identity, and the search for meaning in an increasingly complex world. Exhibitions of his work have been held in prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Museum Pomorskie in Poland, solidifying his place as a significant figure in 20th and 21st-century art history. Opałka’s legacy is not merely one of artistic innovation but also of unwavering commitment to an idea – a testament to the enduring power of conceptual art.

Questions & Answers

How many artworks by Roman Opałka are available to browse?

You can browse 34 artworks by Roman Opałka on the All Artworks page.

Where is Roman Opałka from?

Roman Opałka was born in France.

What moods do Roman Opałka's artworks express?

Roman Opałka's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.

By the WahooArt.com Editorial Team Updated Aug. 31, 2026

Collector's quiz

Roman Opałka is best known for his monumental project involving:
What was the starting point for Opałka's numbering series?
Opałka's work was significantly influenced by which artist?
Where was Roman Opałka born?
As Opałka progressed with his numbering series, what happened to the numbers on the canvases?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Roman Opałka

Every artwork by Roman Opałka in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

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