Hand-painted reproduction of the painting Panel Two from the Harvard Murals by Mark Rothko

Handmade Reproduction of Panel Two from the Harvard Murals Oil Painting by the Artist Mark Rothko

General Introduction

"Panel Two" is part of Mark Rothko’s renowned Harvard Murals, a series commissioned for the Holyoke Center at Harvard University in the early 1960s. This piece, like the others in the series, demonstrates Rothko’s evolution toward more somber and meditative works, characterized by his use of large-scale, muted color fields. The Harvard Murals were designed to interact with the architectural space, creating an immersive, contemplative environment for the viewer.

Historical Context

Created in 1962, "Panel Two" is part of Rothko’s later work, a time when his palette darkened, and his compositions became increasingly austere. The Harvard Murals, including "Panel Two," were commissioned during a period of growing recognition for Rothko, who was celebrated for his contributions to Abstract Expressionism. Rothko intended for these murals to engage with the space and light of the environment in which they were displayed, creating a dialogue between the artwork, the room, and the viewers. Unfortunately, the murals experienced significant fading due to environmental conditions, which led to their restoration and eventual re-interpretation through digital projection technology.

Technical Description

"Panel Two" features Rothko’s characteristic use of large, vertically stacked rectangles. The dominant colors include deep reds, purples, and blacks, which blend into one another with soft, feathered edges. The composition is imposing yet understated, with the rectangular forms floating against the canvas, creating a sense of depth and immersion. Rothko’s handling of color in this piece is meticulous, with thin, transparent layers allowing light to subtly interact with the pigments. The mural’s large scale further intensifies the emotional impact, enveloping the viewer in a field of color that invites quiet reflection.

Interpretation

"Panel Two" from the Harvard Murals invites the viewer into a contemplative space, where the interplay of color and form evokes a range of emotions, from introspection to solemnity. The dark, muted tones reflect Rothko’s later preoccupation with themes of mortality, the human condition, and the passage of time. The mural’s placement within the Harvard Center was intended to provoke a meditative response, transforming the room into a place of quiet contemplation. Like much of Rothko’s work, "Panel Two" transcends literal interpretation, instead offering a deeply personal emotional experience that varies with each viewer, dependent on their own state of mind and interaction with the painting’s monumental form.