Robert Rauschenberg (1925–2008) was an American artist known for combining painting with everyday objects. Born in Texas, he studied art after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Rauschenberg became famous in the 1950s for his “Combines,” artworks that brought together painting, collage, and found objects like newspapers, fabric, and even furniture.

Rauschenberg’s work helped bridge the gap between Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. He believed that art should reflect the world around us, and he often used unexpected materials to make his point. In 1964, he became the first American to win the top prize at the Venice Biennale, a major international art exhibition. Throughout his life, Rauschenberg continued to experiment with new materials and ideas, influencing generations of artists after him.