Robert Motherwell's "Summertime in Italy" series encapsulates a significant phase in the artist's oeuvre, marked by his exploration of abstraction and his experiences in Italy. Born from his summer spent in Italy in 1960, the series reflects Motherwell's engagement with the landscape, culture, and sensibilities of the Italian environment, which had a profound impact on his artistic vision.

The series comprises paintings and lithographs that Motherwell began creating in Italy in 1960. These works are characterized by their use of liquid tusche, a choice that allowed Motherwell to work with a speed and spontaneity akin to the "Spontaneity paintings" he produced in the early 1960s. This technique facilitated rapid composition, enabling Motherwell to capture the essence of his Italian summertime experiences more directly and with a greater sense of immediacy. The lithographs in the series, for example, were executed on Rives BFK paper and involved a printing process that emphasized simplicity and immediacy, utilizing a single color printed in one run from one zinc plate. The editions were limited to 50, with artist's proofs on various papers and sizes also produced, highlighting the experimental nature of Motherwell's approach to printmaking during this period​ (The Dedalus Foundation)​.

Motherwell's "Summertime in Italy" not only contributed to his own artistic development but also offered a unique fusion of abstract expressionism with influences drawn from his time in Italy. These works encapsulate the artist's ability to synthesize his immediate surroundings with his abstract sensibilities, creating compositions that are both evocative of a specific time and place and universally resonant in their exploration of form, color, and emotion. The series stands as a testament to Motherwell's ongoing commitment to expanding the possibilities of abstract art through his engagement with different cultures and landscapes​ (Printed Editions)​.