Untitled [recto] c. 1944 - 1946

This untitled watercolor painting by Mark Rothko, created around 1944-46, showcases the artist's transition from his earlier figurative work towards his signature abstract style. The composition features a series of biomorphic shapes rendered in muted blues, grays, and hints of yellow and red. These forms, reminiscent of both organic and geometric elements, are loosely connected by thin, gestural lines. Rothko's use of translucent washes and subtle color variations evokes a sense of depth and atmosphere, anticipating the atmospheric quality of his later multiform paintings. This piece offers a fascinating glimpse into Rothko's artistic evolution, revealing his exploration of color and form in the years before his iconic color field paintings.