Figure Composition with Grid [recto]

1941/1942

Mark Rothko

Associated Names
Mark Rothko

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

The image shows fluid and curvilinear lines forming an abstract composition. It features two human-like faces with exaggerated features in the top center. Below the faces, elongated arms stretch horizontally across the canvas. Various disjointed forms below suggest human-like figures or limbs, intertwining and overlapping. The composition is structured with grid lines, evoking an abstract representation reminiscent of surreal or cubist renditions of figures.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink and graphite on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of The Mark Rothko Foundation, Inc.

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 15.24 × 22.86 cm (6 × 9 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1986.56.638.a

  • Copyright

    Copyright © 2005 Kate Rothko Prizel and Christopher Rothko

Associated Artworks

The image features intersecting and curved lines, creating a complex network of abstract shapes. The lines suggest a sense of motion and various orientations. The composition is abstract, with elements resembling hands and feet but distorted. The depiction may evoke the idea of a figure in dynamic movement within a web of energetic strokes.

Untitled [verso]

Mark Rothko

1903

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1993

  • Variations Autour de la Crucifixion: Regards Contemporains sur Grunewald, Musee d'Unterlinden Colmar, France, 1993, p.80.

2014

  • Mark Rothko: Works from the Collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, The Hague, 2014-2015.

Bibliography

1984

  • Clearwater, Bonnie. Mark Rothko: Works on Paper. Exh. cat. American Federation of Arts touring exhibition. New York, 1984: cat.no.8.

Wikidata ID

Q64596565

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