The heroes of art

Art History

Mark Rothko's "Earth and Green" exemplifies the artist's peak period. Painted in 1955, "Earth and Green" represents Rothko's characteristic style, which is generally defined as abstract impressionism. Rothko was a member of an artist's circle called the New York School, which was formed in the 1940s, and other groups including the Ten. However, Rothko shunned labels and many of the paintings from this period in his life were untitled. "Earth and Green" is unique in that respect, and the title can lend considerable insight into the artist's intentions. With no iconography to guide the viewer, "Earth and Green" relies purely on form, line, color, composition. Rothko uses these and other techniques to convey subject matter that otherwise appears wholly abstract. Described as "floating rectangles," the shapes that distinguish Rothko's work can create "an astonishing range of atmospheres and moods," (National Gallery of Art, Washington). The floating rectangles form Rothko's signature style and are eminently present in "Earth and Green."

Prior to developing his signature style or painting "Earth and Green," Rothko's work was more representative. Thus, "Earth and Green" can be clearly identified with a specific period of time in the artist's life and career as well as identified with a specific art movement and time period. Some of Rothko's early work was partially funded by federal monies culled from the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which was part of Roosevelt's New Deal. Some of the pieces he produced prior to developing his signature style exuded social commentary. Some pieces depicted industrial themes and others revealed urban realities during the Great Depression. Rothko also explored symbolism in his art. Each of his earlier periods led up to and ultimately influenced the emergence of the signature style that is expressed in "Earth and Green."

Earth and Green" depicts red and green rectangles floating in a blue space. Both rectangles have uneven edges, although they are identifiably geometric forms. Their uneven edges contrast with the stark, sharp, straight lines of the canvas itself. Correspondingly, Rothko uses the canvas to its maximum space, extending the blue background all the way to the edges. The blue is neither bright nor dull; it is a calm blue like the one that just follows dusk or precedes dawn. Such a naturalistic blue matches the earthy red and green used for the rectangles.

Furthermore, Rothko uses some shadow and nuance, creating slightly darker blue lines around the rectangles. The red rectangle floats above the green one. The green rectangle can be experienced as a giant field of grass, or as a forest scene from a distance. Like the blue field in the background, the green is not a solid block of color. There are nuances and shades within the green. Likewise, the red appears darker in some spots than in others, especially around the edges. Rothko's title, "Earth and Green" draws attention to the artist's affection for natural forms and colors.