The artwork, titled “Untitled (14B)” by Mark Rothko, was created in 1947 and is a notable piece within the Abstract Expressionism movement. As an abstract genre painting, the artwork exemplifies Rothko’s pioneering approach to form and color, lacking definitive subject matter and often evoking an emotional response through its composition.
In “Untitled (14B)”, Rothko employs a palette of muted purples, burnt oranges, whites, and blacks, creating a sense of depth and movement. The composition features a layering of colors and abstract shapes that seem to meld and separate, surrounded by patches of lighter and darker hues. The application of color appears both deliberate and spontaneous, giving the artwork a dynamic and fluid quality. The borders of the shapes blend into each other, at times bleeding into the canvas, indicative of Rothko’s larger body of work that emphasizes emotional intensity and the subtleties of human experience. This piece, with its soft yet striking use of color and abstract forms, stands as an evocative example of Rothko’s artistic exploration during this period.