No.61 (Rust and Blue)

No. 61 (Rust and Blue), painted in 1953 by Mark Rothko, is a quintessential example of Abstract expressionism and belongs to the Color field painting movement. The large canvas features expansive areas of layered oil paint in shades of rust and blue, creating a profound sense of depth and emotional resonance. Rothko described this work as capturing an "inner light," achieved through his technique of flowing paint that sometimes appears to move upward across the surface. The muted palette and layered textures evoke contemplative introspection characteristic of his style during this period.