The artwork titled “No. 2,” created in 1964 by the artist Mark Rothko, is executed using a mixed technique on canvas. It measures 266.5 by 203.2 cm and belongs to the Minimalism art movement, characterized by simplicity and abstract expression. The artwork falls within the abstract genre, eschewing representational forms in favor of pure color fields and shapes.
In the artwork, a large monochromatic canvas dominates the space, presenting a dark, almost black rectangular shape bordered by a subtly lighter frame. Beneath this dominant rectangle lies a narrow strip of contrasting tone, creating a division within the vertical expanse of the composition. The nuanced shades of black and subtle gradations of darkness lend a sense of solemnity and depth to the piece, inviting viewers into a contemplative engagement with the interplay of shapes and color. The minimalist aesthetic, emphasized by Rothko’s characteristic use of large, solid fields of color, elicits an introspective emotional response, typical of much of his oeuvre.