Untitled

Untitled

Mark Rothko

1945

tempera

From the collection of Museum of Modern Art

About this work

This painting looks messy but full of energy. There are big red shapes that seem like figures, but they’re stretched and wobbly. Some parts look like arms or legs, but they twist in weird ways. The background is a pale green with a few scattered marks—almost like a sky with floating bits. Colors are soft except for the bold reds and blacks. The artist used thin lines and loose brushstrokes to make everything feel alive. The paper shows through in spots, giving it a rough, sketchy look. If you like this wild style, check out tempera next—it’s the paint used here.

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