“Black on Maroon,” created by Mark Rothko in 1959, is an abstract artwork exemplifying the Color Field Painting movement. Using a mixed technique on canvas, the piece is housed at the Tate Modern in London, United Kingdom.
The artwork exhibits large, rectangular forms in deep, somber hues of black and maroon. The central composition features a tall, vertical maroon stripe bordered by black rectangles, creating a stark contrast that evokes a meditative and contemplative atmosphere. The forms appear soft-edged and diffuse, blending subtly into their surroundings and emphasizing the luminous quality of the colors. This characteristic technique, frequently employed by Rothko, engenders a sense of depth and enigma, prompting viewers to engage deeply with the emotional resonance of the piece.
