Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 709
EAN: 9780300081930
ISBN: 0300081936
Label: Yale University Press
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 376
Publication Date: 2000-09-01
Publisher: Yale University Press
Studio: Yale University Press

In their stunning simplicity, the famous colored rectangle paintings by Mark Rothko suggest, evoke, and endlessly enthrall. This richly illustrated book reproduces in full color one hundred of Rothko's paintings, prints, and drawings. The volume features four commentaries by art experts who explore various formal aspects of Rothko's work, interviews with contemporary artists who reflect on Rothko's legacy to post-New York School abstraction, and a chronology of the Russian-born artist's life from 1903 to 1970.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Beautiful reproductions
Comment: This is a very fine collection and reflects more than just Rothko's colorfield paintings. There's a bit of biographical information and some nice commentary, but that isn't really the focus here. The beautiful reproductions are the real reason to purchase this book over other Rothko volumes. There are quite a few Rothko books around these days. Some have better commentary and criticism, while others have more extensive biographical information. What this Skira edition has going for it is the amazing reproductions.

I've seen a few complaints concerning the color and image quality. I'm not sure if these reviewers received, but my edition is stunning. When looking at Rothko reproduced, it's important to remember that he intensionally thinned his colors. Often when we see a Rothko reproduction, the color is too saturated - sometimes to the point that we might as well be looking at a Barnett Newman! Anyone who has had a chance to see a Rothko colorfield in all its glory will doubtlessly find this collection to be faithfully reproduced, and without enhancement.

My favorite feature of this book is the size. Naturally, it's woefully inadequate when compared to seeing one of his paintings in person, but since we don't all live near a major museum, this book will suffice. The size is large enough that the paintings begin to fill your field of vision, so long as you're holding it in front of you. With smaller reproductions, you don't get the same sense of space, and thus, you lose a great deal. This book (about one square foot) seems to strike a balance between size and affordability. Taschen will inevitably publish a massive four foot tall Rothko edition at some point, but even when they do, I sure won't be able to afford it!

If you're looking for a great collection representing each of Rothko's periods with uniformly excellent quality, this book is for you.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A Convert
Comment: I must admit that I have not been the biggest fan of Mark Rothko, but after reading this book and seeing the quality plates, I am very much a fan of Rothko. Now, when I go to museums, I am very interested in seeing his work and studying his color, edges, paint handling and spirit. This book is worth owning.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent overview of Rothko
Comment: I saw the original show that went with this book. While the book cannot do justice to the works one can still appreciate the greatness of Rothko by reading/viewing it.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: there IS a problem with the color
Comment: I recently bought this book, and I want to comment on the discussion regarding the color - the color is NOT great, and it does NOT show Rothko's work in its best light. Anyone who says differently should get their eyes checked. That being said, other than that it seems to be a very nice book, and I'll still be glad to have it in my library. I just need another book for better color reference.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: a beautiful exhibition
Comment: This is the catalogue for a beautiful exhibition that was held at the Beyeler Foundation. Many of the works reproduced are hidden in private collections (e.g. a huge 1958 canvas in black, white and red) and it is great to be able to admire them. Nothing replaces the live experience of being engulfed in a Rothko, standing a short distance from the canvas itself, but this book is undoubtedly a valuable addition in any art library.

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