The Essential Mark Rothko [Hardcover]

Klaus Ottmann (Author)

Book Description

Series: Essential (Harry N. Abrams) | Publication Date: May 1, 2003

Mark Rothko (1903-1970) is generally considered, along with Jackson Pollock (1912-1956), the preeminent artist of his generation. He is closely identified with the New York School, a group of painters that emerged during the 1940s and re-invented American art. Their radical and unique contribution to modern art became known as Abstract Expressionism. Rothko was one of the most prominent pioneers of abstract color painting, and, during a career that spanned five decades, he became America's foremost colorist. During his retrospective exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1961, Rothko was asked how long it took him to paint a particular painting that seemed to consist of merely a few large, formless blotches of color on canvas. Rothko dryly responded, "I'm 57 years old and it took me all my life to do it." So how did a 10-year old Russian immigrant boy named Marcus Rothkowitz, who arrived at Ellis Island in 1913 with his mother, become Mark Rothko, one of the greatest American abstract painters? Readers of The Essential Mark Rothko will learn that: In his youth, he wanted to be an actor, and that the theater remained his first love; He was largely self-taught; He painted figuratively for more than half of his life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Klaus Ottmann is a curator and writer who lives in New York City. He is publisher of the Journal of Contemporary Art-ONLINE web site.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810958260
• ISBN-13: 978-0810958265
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #809,499 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #34 in Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Abstract Expressionism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Presentation !, November 9, 2003

By 

William N. Botts (Elizabethton, TN USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Essential Mark Rothko (Hardcover)

This concise but very informational book is a must for anyone interested in the works of Rothko, and for those who want to know about the rise of abstract expressionism. There are full color illustrations provided which add greatly to the narrative!
The margin notes have a wealth of background material, without being too bogged down in minutia.
This work has been a wonderful addition to my art library as I am certain it will be to others.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a pleasant surprise, July 5, 2006

By 

George F. Giles (chicago, il USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Essential Mark Rothko (Hardcover)

when i first received the book i thought i'd made a mistake purchasing it but soon realized i had not! it has proven to be informative and concise and contains background and technique information i haven't seen in other larger more expensive books. really, a worthwhile addition.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific book, July 27, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Essential Mark Rothko (Hardcover)

A concise, well-written introduction to postwar American art through the work of one of America's greatest painters. Highly educational and a great read. Excellent reproductions. I coulnd't put it down. Makes a great gift, too.