Abstract Composition in Blue, Black, Red, and Yellow [verso] c. 1944

"Abstract Composition in Blue, Black, Red, and Yellow" is a watercolor painting by Mark Rothko, created around 1944. The work features a dynamic composition of loose, gestural brushstrokes in shades of blue, black, red, and yellow. The painting is characterized by the artist's signature style, which emphasizes abstract forms and the interplay of color. The work suggests a feeling of movement and energy, reflecting Rothko's exploration of abstract expressionism, a movement in art that emphasized the emotional expression of the artist. This artwork is a fascinating example of the artist's development before he moved to the more iconic single-color field paintings of the 1950s and 60s.