Mark Rothko: stirring with two colors

Analysis of one of Mark Rothko's most emblematic works

In 1969, Mark Rothko painted Untitled (Black on Grey), at the end of his life. This was to be one of his last works. At first glance, this last series seems minimalist, using few colors (two to five), but it's precisely this simplicity that makes it so evocative. The emotions that emerge reveal the artist's genius.

Mark Rothko, Untitled (Black And Gray), 1970

Far more complex than it appears, Untitled (Black on Grey) is Mark Rothko's interpretation of silence. The work invites the viewer into the artist's mind.

To create this canvas, the artist used almost exclusively two colors: white and black. It's a dialogue between light and darkness.

The lower part of the work resembles a white (grey) plain or part of the moon. The viewer's gaze is irresistibly drawn to the darkness, even if it is dark and silent.

The slightly lighter junction between the two colors, and the brushstrokes still visible, give relief to the canvas. The witness to this scene could almost walk endlessly across this gray space, in silence.

This minimalism makes the work universal. Everyone can identify with it, and feel its raw emotions.

Untitled (Black on Grey) could also reflect the artist's state of mind at the end of his career. At the same time, Mark Rothko was battling an aortic aneurysm. Despite his determination to exploit his creativity to the full, he was no longer physically able to paint large formats. His depression and disability led to his suicide in February 1970.

To find out more about Mark Rothko, his works and his friendship with Hans Hartung, watch the documentary film Hartung-Rothko: Colors and Cataclysms on Museum TV.

For even more cultural content, visit Museum TV!