“The Seasons,” an abstract artwork by Brice Marden, was created between 1974 and 1975 and is representative of the Minimalism movement. This oil painting, housed in the Menil Collection in Houston, Texas, measures 243.8 by 632.5 centimeters.
The artwork consists of four large monochromatic panels arranged sequentially in a horizontal format. Each panel is a different solid color, transitioning from a pale yellow on the left, followed by a muted green, then a soft beige, and finally a deep gray. The simplicity of the design and the subtle variation in colors evoke a sense of calm and introspection, emphasizing the minimalist aesthetic. The clean, unadorned presentation and uniformity in shape and size of the panels invite viewers to contemplate the individual and collective impact of the colors, offering a quiet yet profound visual experience.