The Modernists

Paul Klee, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

While Mark Rothko was primarily associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement in New York, the influence of Modernists like Paul Klee on his work cannot be overlooked. The Modernist movement, with its emphasis on experimentation, abstraction, and the exploration of the subconscious, played a significant role in shaping Rothko’s artistic development.

Paul Klee, a Swiss-German artist known for his unique blend of abstraction and symbolism, was among the Modernists who left an impression on Rothko. Klee’s imaginative use of color, intricate geometric compositions, and his ability to evoke emotion through abstract forms resonated with Rothko’s sensibilities.

Klee’s work often reflected a playful and poetic approach, infusing his paintings with a sense of whimsy and spirituality. His use of symbols and enigmatic imagery aimed to tap into the viewer’s subconscious and invite contemplation. This exploration of the mysterious and the spiritual resonated with Rothko’s own quest for transcendent experiences through art.

While Rothko’s abstract expressionist style ultimately diverged from Klee’s more intricate compositions, the influence of Klee can be observed in Rothko’s early works. In particular, Rothko’s use of geometric shapes, layered color fields, and a focus on creating atmospheric spaces can be seen as echoes of Klee’s artistic language.

Moreover, both Klee and Rothko shared a belief in the transformative power of art. They sought to evoke emotional responses and create a deeper connection between the viewer and the artwork. Klee’s emphasis on the spiritual and Rothko’s pursuit of transcendent experiences aligned in their shared belief that art could transcend the material world and touch something profound within the human spirit.

While Rothko ultimately forged his own distinct style within the Abstract Expressionist movement, the imaginative use of color, the exploration of abstraction, and the pursuit of emotional and spiritual depth found in Klee’s work resonated with Rothko’s artistic sensibilities, shaping his early artistic development.

Max Weber

Max Weber – Summer

Max Weber, as an influential art instructor, had a significant impact on many artists of his time, including Mark Rothko. Rothko attended the Art Students League in the 1920s, where Weber served as his teacher and mentor.

Weber, as a teacher, encouraged his students to explore art as a means of conveying profound human experiences and emotions. He introduced Rothko to a range of artistic ideas and philosophies, including the potential for art to tap into the transcendent and evoke deep emotional responses.

Mark Rothko’s exposure to Weber’s teachings on the expressive power of art had a lasting impact on his artistic development. While Weber’s specific artistic style may not have directly influenced Rothko’s later work, the broader concepts and ideas imparted by Weber played a crucial role in shaping Rothko’s approach to art.

Rothko’s exploration of color as a conduit for emotion and his later pursuit of abstraction can be seen as a reflection of the ideas instilled in him by Weber. As Rothko progressed in his career, he moved towards a style characterized by large, luminous color fields, aiming to create an immersive experience for the viewer that taps into deep emotional and spiritual dimensions.

Early Influences

Rembrandt’s ability to convey emotion and his profound understanding of the human condition left a lasting impression on Mark Rothko — in particular, Rembrandt’s mastery of capturing the human spirit and the way in which his paintings seemed to illuminate the inner essence of his subjects.

“Rembrandt van Rijn’s The Storm“/ CC0 1.0

In some of Rothko’s early works, one can detect traces of Rembrandt’s influence. For example, Rothko’s early figurative paintings often display a sensitivity to light and shadow reminiscent of Rembrandt’s chiaroscuro technique. Additionally, Rothko’s exploration of emotional depth and introspection in his later abstract works can be seen as a continuation of Rembrandt’s ability to evoke profound human experiences through his art.

Furthermore, Rothko’s interest in creating an intimate and immersive experience for the viewer, where color and form envelop the viewer’s field of vision, shares a common thread with Rembrandt’s use of composition and space to draw the viewer into the emotional core of his paintings.

While Rothko’s abstract expressionist style may seem far removed from Rembrandt’s Baroque aesthetic, the influence of Rembrandt’s artistic sensibilities can be traced through Rothko’s understanding of human emotion, his exploration of light and shadow, and his desire to create a deep and contemplative experience for the viewer.