Cy Twombly's Wilder Shores of Love (1985) stands as a compelling example of his abstract and Neo-Expressionist artistry, melding American abstract expressionism with Mediterranean cultural influences. Created during a prolific period in Italy between 1984 and 1985, this painting measures 140 x 120 cm and utilizes a diverse range of materials, including oil-based house paint, oil paint stick, colored pencil, and lead pencil on a wooden panel. The painting was part of a retrospective exhibition at the Centre Pompidou that showcased 140 of Twombly's artworks, charting his evolution from his early New York days to his later years in Italy​ (Artchive)​.

The title Wilder Shores of Love is borrowed from a book that recounts the lives of Western women who ventured into the Middle East, some adopting male attire for freedom and adventure. This concept resonated with Twombly, inspiring not just this painting but a series of works. The painting itself is distinguished by its vigorous colors, scribbles, and scratches, all of which convey a raw emotional intensity and dynamic movement. These elements together encapsulate Twombly's distinctive vision, which seamlessly integrates influences from both sides of the Atlantic to forge expressive, abstract masterpieces. The use of unconventional materials further sets this work apart, highlighting Twombly's departure from traditional painting techniques and his contribution to the Neo-Expressionist movement​ (Artchive)​.

Twombly's work, including Wilder Shores of Love, is celebrated for its unique blend of literary inspiration and visual abstraction, making him a pivotal figure in post-war American art. His approach to creation, merging text and image, ancient and modern, personal and universal, allows his works to transcend the specific and touch upon the timeless​ (www.wikiart.org)​​ (Artchive)​.