Untitled [verso] c. 1944 - 1946

This undated work on paper, by Mark Rothko, presents us with a fascinating interplay of form and space. Predominantly, we see horizontal bands of muted browns and grays, which create a layered composition. This structure is disrupted by the intrusion of biomorphic shapes, like the circular form on the lower left and the more ambiguous figures on the right. Rothko’s use of line is particularly striking; thin, almost hesitant lines dance across the surface, connecting and dividing different elements within the picture plane. The touches of red add a sense of urgency and tension, drawing our eyes to specific focal points, and the varying opacities of the washes allow underlying layers to peek through, creating depth. The horizontal orientation and layering recall landscape conventions, but these are subverted by the abstract vocabulary. This piece challenges fixed meanings, suggesting a liminal space between representation and abstraction. It offers a glimpse into Rothko’s exploration of form, where the interplay of color and line evokes emotion.