“Orange over Violet,” created by Mark Rothko in 1968, is an influential piece within the Color Field Painting movement, characterized by its abstract genre. The artwork embodies Rothko’s signature style, focusing on the emotional potential of color through the use of large, bold patches.
In the artwork, Rothko utilizes a series of large, rectangular blocks of color that appear to float and merge into each other, creating a transcendental effect. The upper section of the canvas is dominated by a broad violet area that conveys a sense of calm. Below this violet section, an orange block spans almost the entire width, except for a thin strip of red and black above it, adding a stark contrast. Below the orange block lies a deeper red section, subtly commanding attention. The bottom of the artwork transitions into a lighter, pinkish-beige area, grounding the entire composition. Rothko’s use of slightly feathered edges and soft contours ensures that the colors meld gently into one another, creating an immersive visual experience that prompts contemplation and emotional response.