Abstraction [recto]

c. 1944/1946

Mark Rothko

Associated Names
Mark Rothko

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

The image contains soft, curved lines intersecting over a large, elliptical shape set against a dark background in an abstract composition. Blue and brown tones are visible along the edges and within the curves. The overall design may resemble utensils or tools surrounded by an oval shape that suggests a platter or shield. The blend of lines and colors allows viewers to draw connections to everyday objects.
This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor with touches of gouache, with scratching, scraping, and rubbing on handmade paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of The Mark Rothko Foundation, Inc.

  • Dimensions

    overall: 58.7 x 40.6 cm (23 1/8 x 16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1986.43.187.a

  • Copyright

    Copyright © 2005 Kate Rothko Prizel and Christopher Rothko

Associated Artworks

The image consists of swirling and flowing lines that form an abstract composition. The lines create curving and angular shapes. On the left side, there is an elongated form. Near the center, there is a spiral with a black dot. To the right, there are wavy lines interwoven with a horizontal line.

Untitled [verso]

Mark Rothko

1944

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2012

  • Mark Rothko: The Decisive Decade, 1940-1950, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina; Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio; Denver Art Museum; The Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock, 2012-2014, no. 17, repro. (the verso, 1986.43.187.b, was shown only in Denver and Arkansas).

Wikidata ID

Q64595413

You may be interested in

Loading Results