Vir heroicus sublimis

Vir Heroicus Sublimis, created in 1951 by Barnett Newman, is a quintessential example of Abstract Color field painting. Measuring on a large canvas, it features expansive areas of saturated, intense color designed to evoke a visceral reaction from viewers. As part of the Museum of Modern Art collection, the painting exemplifies Newman’s goal of conveying the "heroic" and "sublime" qualities of man through minimalistic yet powerful visual language. Its use of oil paints emphasizes the vividness and depth of the colors.