The major Mark Rothko exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi

From March 14 to July 26, one of the largest exhibitions in Italy dedicated to the master of American modern art

From 14 March to 26 July, American 20th-century art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to visit one of the largest exhibitions of Mark Rothko (1903-1970) ever held in Italy organised by Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi. Curated by Christopher Rothko, Mark’s brother, and Elena Geuna,Rothko a Firenze is an original exhibition, specifically designed for Palazzo Strozzi. Born in Latvia, he then moved to the United States where he developed an innovative style based on the overlapping of large regions of colour, becoming one of the exponents of American abstract expressionism. His art aims to stimulate profound thought in the viewers, offering a personal, contemplative and almost spiritual experience.Theexhibition in Palazzo Strozzi has been designed in chronological order, allowing visitors to discover Rothko’s entire artistic career.

Mark Rothko, No. 3/No. 13, 1949

The exhibition collects more than 70 paintings, including some never on display before in Italy. The various sections focus on different periods of Rothko’s artistic research, exploring also his relationship with Italian art. The first group of early paintings shows Rothko’s interest in the symbolic and psychological aspect of figures as well as in the Renaissance compositional structure such as in Interior (1936) which is a clear reference to Michelangelo’s tomb of Giuliano de’ Medici in the New Sacristy in Florence. However, the artist saw Florence for the first time only in 1950 while on a trip to Italy with his wife Mell. He was particularly impressed with Fra Angelico’s art at the Museo San Marco and with the architecture of the Vestibule at the Laurentian Library. In addition to Palazzo Strozzi, the exhibition will extend to the city of Florence, including two extra venues in locations very dear to the artist: Museo San Marco with paintings on display next to the frescoes of Fra Angelico and the Vestibule of the Laurentian Library designed by Michelangelo.