Untitled (four figures in a plaza) 1935 - 1939

This untitled painting of four figures in a plaza was created by Mark Rothko, using oil on canvas. The material itself is a key to understanding Rothko's work. Oil paint allows for layering and blending, essential to his hazy, atmospheric style. Look closely, and you’ll see how Rothko applied thin washes of pigment, building up color gradually. This technique, known as glazing, gives the painting a luminous quality, as if light is emanating from within. It’s not just about the color, but the way it's applied, softly and intuitively, almost like a fresco. Rothko was clearly working in the tradition of easel painting, a commodity for sale in galleries. Yet he transcends those boundaries, creating a window into another realm. The work invites contemplation and a deeper understanding of the expressive potential inherent in paint itself. This approach challenges the hierarchy between art and craft, elevating the act of making to a profoundly meaningful experience.