“Blessing of the Fleet” is an abstract artwork created by Helen Frankenthaler in 1969. This piece, executed in acrylic on canvas, measures 320 by 262 cm and falls under the Color Field Painting movement. The artwork features broad areas of color that emphasize the flatness of the canvas surface, characteristic of the genre.
In the artwork, a large, irregular yellow form dominates the composition, filling most of the canvas. To the left, a strong, slender shape in a deep red hue contrasts strikingly with the yellow. At the top, a smaller strip of green adds another layer of color. These bold, unmodulated fields of color are typical of Frankenthaler’s technique, showcasing her ability to create depth and space through simplified shapes and a refined palette. The edges where these colors meet are softly blended, giving a sense of fluidity and harmony. The lack of discernible figures or objects directs the viewer’s focus to the emotional resonance and visual impact of the colors themselves.
