Cy Twombly's Nini’s Paintings (1971) series is a profound homage to a personal loss, reflecting the depth of the artist's emotional and intellectual engagement with his subjects. This series was created in the wake of the tragic death of Nini Pirandello, the wife of Twombly's first gallerist in Rome, Plinio De Martiis, marking a significant moment in Twombly’s oeuvre that bridges personal grief with artistic expression.

The works within the Nini’s Paintings series utilize a combination of oil-based house paint, wax crayon, and lead pencil on canvas, characteristic of Twombly's experimental approach to materials and form. The dimensions of the paintings, such as one housed at the Kunstmuseum Basel, measure impressively at 102 3/5 × 118 inches (approximately 260.5 × 299.7 cm), underscoring the monumental scale through which Twombly chose to explore and express his themes​ (Artsy)​.

This series exemplifies Twombly's ability to infuse his abstract compositions with layers of meaning, melding historical and literary references with deeply personal narratives. The intricate play of textures and marks across the canvas reflects a dialogue between presence and absence, memory and oblivion, which is central to understanding the emotional weight carried by these works.

While detailed descriptions of the individual paintings within this series are scarce, the emotional resonance of the Nini's Paintings series within Twombly’s broader body of work is undeniable. Each piece serves as a testament to Twombly's unique ability to navigate the realms of abstraction and representation, inviting viewers into a space of contemplation and introspection.

One of the Nini's Paintings is part of the collection at The Broad in Los Angeles, emphasizing the significance of this series within Twombly's career and its enduring appeal to audiences and institutions alike​ (The Broad)​. This series not only marks a pivotal moment in Twombly's exploration of grief and remembrance but also stands as a powerful example of his lifelong engagement with the complexities of human emotion and the possibilities of painting as a medium for profound expression.