Untitled 1937

Mark Rothko made this untitled painting with oil paint. The cultural context of early modernism deeply informs this work. Looking at the painting, we can see two figures situated in what appears to be a window frame. The setting seems intimate, almost theatrical, and the figures invite contemplation about their social roles. Made in the United States, its visual style is inspired by European Expressionism; it shows some of its influences, as can be seen by the distorted figures. Rothko’s imagery serves as a critique of traditional art institutions, which tend to enforce conservative tastes and restrict the artist’s freedom of expression. Historians of art consult many resources to better understand works such as this. These include the artist's statements, the history of exhibitions, and social and cultural trends. The meaning of this art is not fixed; it evolves with our understanding of the world and the institutions that shape it.