The artwork titled “No.20” by Mark Rothko, created in 1957, is an abstract painting in the Color Field Painting movement. Executed in oil on canvas, the piece measures 193 x 233 cm and is currently housed in the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. The painting is representative of Rothko’s signature style, characterized by large areas of color that interact on the canvas.
The artwork features three horizontal bands of deep, muted colors that appear to float against a background of rich, dark hues. The uppermost section is a hazy area of deep red, suggesting an ethereal quality. Below it lies a broad, darker band, verging on black, which dominates the central part of the canvas and evokes a sense of depth and introspection. The lowest band, also predominantly dark, echoes the central strip but is slightly narrower, further enhancing the vertical progression and balance within the composition.
Rothko’s use of color and form in “No.20” invites a contemplative experience, encouraging viewers to explore the emotional resonance and subtle gradations of tone in the painting. The seemingly simple, yet profoundly evocative interplay of shades exemplifies the artist’s intent to evoke an emotive response through abstract means.
