Rothko Sets New Record

Description: 

In the year 2012, Mark Rothko's art piece entitled "Orange, red, yellow" (pictured above) sold for $86.9 million, setting a new record for highest price ever fetched by a contemporary art piece at auction. In the following seven years, this record would be renewed by other artists; however, Rothko's work continues to be lauded among art connoisseurs everywhere. In 2014, his piece "No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red)" sold for $186 million (it was, however, a private transaction). Lindner's detail to place Rothko in Nico Rathburn's home showcases Nico's extravagant wealth, even more ironic when put into comparison with the outfit Jane wears from the local Goodwill. We can also interpret the presence of a Rothko painting as a direct symbol of Nico's own artistic values, (literally) illustrating his intent to explore the nitty gritty of human nature as according to Rothko’s own artistic ideals.

Image taken from The New York Times.

Lindner, April. Jane. Kindle ed., Poppy, 2010.

Associated Place(s)

Artist: 

  • MARK ROTHKO

Image Date: 

1961