Abstract Composition in Blue, Black, Gray, and Red

Mark Rothko

Associated Names
Mark Rothko

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

The image consists of sweeping curves and fluid lines in a complex composition. A large swirl of blue and gray is featured near the center, with dark and bold strokes emerging from the background. A softer, cloud-like form resembling a gently curling wave or billowing smoke puff is also present. The overall arrangement of colors and shapes can be interpreted as an enigmatic seascape at dusk, with the deep blue representing the ocean and the dark strokes evoking distant cliffs or stormy skies.
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

    (drawing)

  • Credit Line

    Gift of The Mark Rothko Foundation, Inc.

  • Dimensions

    overall: 17.7 x 12.6 cm (6 15/16 x 4 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1986.56.456

  • Copyright

    Copyright © 2005 Kate Rothko Prizel and Christopher Rothko

Artwork history & notes

Wikidata ID

Q64596338

You may be interested in

Loading Results