The artwork entitled “No. 1 (Royal Red and Blue)” was created by Mark Rothko in 1954. Executed in oil, this piece belongs to the Color Field Painting movement. It measures 288.9 by 171.5 cm and falls under the abstract genre.
This artwork prominently features large, rectangular fields of color. The composition consists of three horizontal blocks: a vibrant red at the top, a rich pink in the middle, and a deep blue at the bottom. Each block appears to softly blend with the next, with edges that seem to melt into one another, fostering a sense of continuity and harmony. The background and borders present tones of red, further integrating the blocks into a cohesive visual experience. The brushstrokes are deliberately visible, adding texture and depth to the otherwise solid fields of color. Through the strategic use of color and form, the artwork evokes a contemplative and immersive atmosphere.