Untitled
1969
Image not available — this artwork is under copyright
View on museum website →Medium
acrylic on paper
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of The Mark Rothko Foundation, Inc.
Accession Number
1986.43.268
Art Historical Context
Mark Rothko, a towering figure in Abstract Expressionism, created this *Untitled* drawing in 1969, near the end of his prolific career. Known for his immersive color field paintings, Rothko sought to evoke profound emotional and spiritual responses through vast expanses of softly blended hues. This work on paper captures that essence in a more intimate scale, showcasing his signature rectangular forms that seem to hover and pulse with inner light. Executed in acrylic on paper—a medium Rothko favored for its fluidity and quick drying time—this piece exemplifies his innovative approach to drawi...
About the Artist
Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko (born Marcus Yakovlevich Rothkowitz, September 25, 1903 – February 25, 1970) stands as one of the most influential figures in twentieth-century American art and a central pioneer of Abstract Expressionism. Born into a Jewish family in Dvinsk (now Daugavpils, Latvia), then part of the Russian Empire, Rothko's early life was marked by the fear and persecution faced by Jews in Tsarist Rus...