Dark Over Light Earth I -

: He aimed for an almost religious experience for the viewer, seeking to eliminate all "obstacles" (like recognizable figures or symbols) between the painter’s idea and the observer. How to View It To experience the work as the artist intended:

No.9 (Dark over Light Earth), 1954 - Mark Rothko - WikiArt.org Dark Over Light Earth I

: The shift to darker palettes in the mid-1950s—exemplified by this work—represented a "deepening of feeling" as he wrestled with humanity’s essentially tragic nature. : He aimed for an almost religious experience

: Rothko recommended standing as close as 18 inches away—the same distance at which he painted them—so the colors could physically and mentally envelop you. (often categorized with No

(often categorized with No. 7 (Dark Over Light) or No. 9 (Dark Over Light Earth) ) is a seminal 1954 color-field painting by Mark Rothko . Measuring nearly eight feet tall, it is part of a select group of his largest canvases designed to create a sense of overwhelming intimacy and emotional immersion. Visual Composition

: Rothko used feathered edges and thin, overlapping glazes of pigment to achieve a sense of luminosity that seems to emanate from within the canvas rather than being reflected off it. Emotional and Spiritual Intent

No. 9 (Dark Over Light Earth/Violet and Yellow in Rose) [Mark Rothko]