Willem de Kooning's Untitled series from the 1980s represents a profound period of lyrical abstraction in his later career. These works are notable for their chromatic vibrancy, compositional dynamism, and a captivating allure that encapsulates de Kooning's exploration of abstraction through a refined and mature aesthetic. The series includes paintings such as "Untitled II," executed in 1986, which showcases de Kooning's unparalleled ability to manipulate form, line, and color. This painting, like others from the decade, is marked by curvilinear ribbons of pigment, floating against a backdrop that varies from the subtlety of blush passages to the vitality of golden yellow tones, illustrating a buoyant dynamism and an ethereal quality​ (Sothebys.com)​.

This period in de Kooning's oeuvre is also characterized by a shift in his approach to painting, influenced by his move from New York City to Long Island in the early 1960s. The change in environment from the bustling city to a more bucolic setting is reflected in the gestural vibrancy and richness of hue in his work from this era. The large-format paintings from this time are celebrated for their elemental response to the landscape, demonstrating de Kooning's continued reinvention and fresh aesthetic vision that seemed to evolve distinctly from his earlier phases​ (Gagosian)​.

Throughout his career, de Kooning was known for his stylistic evolution, constantly reinventing himself while maintaining a dialogue with themes and techniques from his past work. The 1980s series epitomizes this approach, retaining but simplifying the essential procedures and vocabulary of forms that had been present throughout his career. These late works, therefore, stand as a testament to de Kooning's lifelong investigation into the nature of abstract art, balancing the celebration of landscape and the human figure through organic forms that evoke both linearity and freedom​ (Sothebys.com)​.

Willem de Kooning's journey through abstract expressionism to the serene and simplified compositions of his late work illustrates a masterful evolution, underscored by a constant commitment to exploration, invention, and the expressive power of painting.