Fantasy at Dawn [obverse]

1946

Mark Rothko

Associated Names
Mark Rothko

Painter, American, born Russia (now Latvia), 1903 - 1970

The image shows vertical lines and elongated shapes flowing downward, intersected by horizontal bands creating an abstract pattern. The colors are muted yellows, greens, and earthy tones. In the center, there is a broad shape with irregular contours resembling a face or mask. The composition suggests an abstract landscape reminiscent of natural forms.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    oil on canvas

  • Credit Line

    Gift of The Mark Rothko Foundation, Inc.

  • Dimensions

    overall: 130.2 x 81.5 cm (51 1/4 x 32 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1986.43.5.a

  • Copyright

    Copyright © 1998 Kate Rothko Prizel and Christopher Rothko

Associated Artworks

The painting consists of irregular shapes and soft, flowing lines spread across the canvas. In this abstract composition, areas of muted tones in white, gray, ochre, and blue blend into each other, punctuated by vibrant patches of yellow. The swirling forms and blurred edges are reminiscent of clouds, waves, or geological formations, giving the piece an organic and dynamic quality. The interplay of colors and shapes evokes the gentle shapes of natural landscapes while maintaining an open-ended abstraction.

Fantasy at Dawn [reverse]

Mark Rothko

1947

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

The artist [1903-1970]; his estate; consigned 1970 to (Marlborough Gallery, Inc., New York); transferred 1977 back to the artist's estate;[1] transferred 1979 to The Mark Rothko Foundation, Inc., New York; gift 1986 to NGA.
[1] For a detailed discussion of the transactions surrounding the Rothko estate see Lee Seldes, Legacy of Mark Rothko, New York, 1978.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1992

  • American Paintings: An Illustrated Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1992: 304(.a), 308(.b), repros.

1998

  • Anfam, David. Mark Rothko: The Works on Canvas: Catalogue Raisonné. New Haven and London, 1998: no. 297(.a), no. 344(.b), repros.

Inscriptions

lower left: MARK ROTHKO / 1946 - Fantasy at Dawn

Wikidata ID

Q20193838

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