Two Figures (1953)

Two Figures (1953) is an abstract expressionist oil painting by the American artist Mark Rothko. Painted during a period of significant transition in Rothko’s artistic style, this work exemplifies his evolving approach to form and color. While the title suggests the depiction of two individuals, the painting itself does not present recognizable figures in a traditional sense. Instead, it features two vertically oriented, soft-edged rectangles of color dominating the canvas.

These blocks of color, typically described as floating or hovering, are characteristic of Rothko's mature style. In Two Figures (1953), the interaction and relationship between these chromatic forms are central to the work's meaning. Rothko aimed to evoke profound emotional responses in the viewer through the careful arrangement and juxtaposition of color. The absence of discernible figures encourages a focus on the pure emotive power of color and form.

The painting is significant within Rothko's oeuvre as it represents a step towards his later, more iconic, compositions featuring stacked rectangular fields of color. Although earlier works contained more figurative elements, Two Figures (1953) demonstrates a deliberate move away from representational imagery, emphasizing the psychological impact of abstract forms. The layers of translucent color, achieved through Rothko's distinctive glazing technique, contribute to the painting's luminosity and its ability to resonate with viewers on a deeply personal level. The work is considered a key example of Rothko's contribution to abstract expressionism and its exploration of the human condition through non-representational means.