Born in Lexington, Virginia, Edwin Parker "Cy" Twombly Jr. emerged as a significant figure in the post-war American art scene. He studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Washington and Lee University, and the Art Students League of New York, later attending Black Mountain College where he encountered artists such as Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns.

Twombly is best known for his distinctive style characterized by gestural lines, scribbles, and layered marks that often incorporate textual elements and classical references. His practice spanned painting, sculpture, and photography, frequently utilizing a muted palette to explore the relationship between language, memory, and the physical act of mark-making.

His historical significance continues to be examined in major institutional surveys, such as the 2026 exhibition at Museum Ludwig which contextualized his work alongside his contemporaries. His pieces remain staples of major museum collections, including upcoming presentations at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.