Mark Rothko

No. 5/No. 22

1950 (dated on reverse 1949)

Oil on canvas

On view MoMA, Floor 4, 403 The David Geffen Galleries

The rectangles within this painting do not extend to the edges of the canvas and appear to hover just over its surface. Heightening this sensation is the effect of chromatic afterimage. Staring at each colored segment individually affects the perception of those adjacent to it. The red–orange center of the painting tints the yellow above it with just a bit of green. The yellow above seems to tint the orange with blue. Despite these color relationships, Rothko did not want his pictures appreciated solely for their spectral qualities. He said, "If you are only moved by color relationships, then you miss the point. I'm interested in expressing the big emotions—tragedy, ecstasy, doom."

Gallery label from

Focus: Ad Reinhardt and Mark Rothko, 2008.

Medium Oil on canvas
Dimensions 9' 9" x 8' 11 1/8" (297 x 272 cm)
Credit Gift of the artist
Object number 1108.1969
Department Painting & Sculpture

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Mark Rothko

Mark Rothko

American, born Russia (now Latvia). 1903–1970 19 works online

Mark Rothko sought to make paintings that would bring people to tears.If you…are moved only by their color relationships, then you miss the point.

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