(Untitled) [recto]

early 1940s

Mark Rothko

Associated Names
Mark Rothko

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

The image shows flowing lines and sweeping curves forming an abstract composition against a light green background. There is a wavy black line at the top. The shapes in the painting imply a reclining nude figure and bird-like forms with wings and beaks. The contrast of dark and light colors combines human and avian elements, blurring the line between familiar scenes and imaginative depictions.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor and pencil on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of The Mark Rothko Foundation, Inc.

  • Dimensions

    overall: 12.7 x 17.8 cm (5 x 7 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1986.56.636.a

  • Copyright

    Copyright © 2005 Kate Rothko Prizel and Christopher Rothko

Associated Artworks

The image features a pen and ink drawing on aged paper with yellowing and stains. The drawing depicts a person standing in a slightly angled position, focusing on their head and shoulders. The facial features are abstract with closed eyes, a prominent jawline, and abstractly styled hair. The person's shoulders are draped with indistinct clothing. To the right is a sketched bust sculpture within a rectangular frame on a pedestal. The background is aged paper with visible stains and perforated edges.

(Untitled) [verso]

Mark Rothko

1940

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

The artist [1903-1970]; The Mark Rothko Foundation, New York; gift to NGA, 1986.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1984

  • Clearwater, Bonnie. Mark Rothko: Works on Paper. Exh. cat. American Federation of Arts touring exhibition. New York, 1984: no.7.

Wikidata ID

Q64596562

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