Mark Rothko: The Works on Canvas

When it comes to Marcus Rothkovitz, aka Mark Rothko, this is the gold standard by which all others are and will be measured. I own about 15 or so books on, about or by Rothko, so consider myself an aficionado.The book is fat, heavy saturated in rich accurate color and stunning. I actually wash my hands before I touch it. It comes in its own cardboard packaging, which I continue to keep it in. As mentioned, the color is accurate and deeply rich. It will take many more months to truly digest the content of this book. I am repeatedly surprised with every turn of the page, a new unseen Rothko on canvas. Up to this catalogue, the standard was in my opinion Diane Waldman's catalogue upon Rothko's retrospective in 1970, shortly after his suicide.The author, David Anfam, who passed away in August 2024, is/was, is, the authority on not just Rothko but Abstract Expressionism in its totality. His passing is a loss for art lovers everywhere.I was able to purchase this book used, though like new even its packaging, for a bit more than half of it's new price. From a reputable vendor who I have had many satisfying transactions with.If you like Rothko, break out your credit card, wash your hands and get ready for it.

David Anfam has supplied the most intelligent writing on Rothko that I have found anywhere. I am learning so much from his overview of the artist's career and evolution. The author has an academic vocabulary, so I needed to look up a few words as I go along, but that is not a bad thing. Without his final, classic painting, we probably would not know of Rothko, so I am grateful he was able to grow into his mature vision. I had no idea that he produced so many paintings--what a hard-working artist. I would not have made the subtle connections between the early and later work without Mr. Anfam. I come away with new understanding and a treasure of a book. It is heavy--no holding it in your lap. I had to read it at my kitchen table.

Stunningly gorgeous book! I bought this for a friend who is a fan of Mark Rothko.

For those who admire Rothko's paintings, this book is an absolute "must". This masterpiece got a special place in my living room. Of all the books I have about the abstract-expressionist Rothko, this is the most complete one. Once you start turning the pages, one soon understands that Rothko was a hard worker, and that it took him all the energy during his life to make this number of magnificent paintings.

It's great to see all of Rothko's paintings all together from the very beginning to the very end. A worthwhile, well researched, and well executed project visually. The sheer size of the book which is akin to a massive dictionary makes reading the essay without a table for support quite a challenge but this is an unavoidable inconvenience. I have heard that there is a new updated edition coming out soon.

I paid a considerable amount of money for this book and was extremely disappointed that it's slipcase is so badly damaged.

GREAT BOOK

Des presses université Yale, j aurais aime plus de soin dans les reproductions qui rendent mal la subtilité du travail de Rothko.