- Artists
USA
Netherlands
Netherlands
Poland
Spain
France 
Entrance to Subway
The painting depicts a scene in the New York subway, showing the alienation of urban life. The figures – passengers and subway workers – lack distinct faces, emphasizing a sense of isolation and superficiality of interpersonal relationships in the urban hustle. Despite the realistic character of the subject, the work has a dark, unsettling atmosphere. The expressionist style of the painting contrasts with Rothko's later works focused on colorful fields of color.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Mark Rothko
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Date of birth and death
September 25, 1903 – February 25, 1970
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Natinality
American
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Style
Abstract expressionism, color field painting
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Significant works
Seagram Murals, Rothko Chapel paintings, No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red), multiform paintings
Information about the work
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Year:
1938
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Execution technique:
oil on canvas
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Location:
private collection
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Theme:
urban life, alienation, expressionism, everyday life, isolation
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
The painting reflects the emotional experience of the city, showing its anonymity and loneliness. Rothko emphasizes the emotional perception of urban space instead of a realistic depiction.
The key to interpreting the work
When interpreting the work, it is worth considering the context of the Great Depression era, the artist's inspiration from Edward Hopper, and the significance of the expressionist style in expressing the psychology of urban life.See other works by this artist
