The artwork “Black on Maroon” by Mark Rothko, created in 1958, belongs to the Color Field Painting movement and falls under the abstract genre. The artwork exemplifies Rothko’s distinctive approach, characterized by large fields of color intended to evoke an emotional response from the viewer.
The artwork features a deep, somber palette dominated by maroon hues with indistinct, roughly vertical black forms. These forms are not sharply delineated, but rather blend into the maroon background, creating a sense of depth and movement. The edges of the black areas appear soft and feathered, allowing the dark and moody colors to seamlessly transition and interact with one another. Rothko’s use of color and form creates an immersive experience, evoking contemplation and emotional introspection.