Although Mark Rothko (1903-1970) and William Turner (1775-1851) were two artists from completely different periods and artistic movements, there are some significant similarities between their paintings that we will review in this article

Although Rothko and Turner were two artists from completely different periods and artistic movements, there are some significant similarities between their paintings

In 1966, Rothko attended an exhibition that featured Turner's works, held in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. While walking through this exhibition, Rothko was surprised by the similarities between Turner's paintings and his works. After his visit, the artist reportedly said, “This man, Turner, he learned a lot from me”. This referred to an idea that was common in the mid-twentieth century: William Turner was a precursor of modern art.

“This man, Turner, he learned a lot from me” –Rothko

As he progressed in his working life, Turner's paintings became more blurred, in the sense that his characteristic landscapes were no longer easily distinguishable. Considered experimental, these paintings by Turner were part of his personal collection, and were never publicly exhibited in museums. Although the artist's late style was characterized by freedom in the handling of vivid colors and light, it is unclear what the artist's intention was.  They could simply be unfinished paintings or studies for his technical development.

Precisely in this painting by Turner, which can also be considered a study of light and color, where Rothko felt that connection with Turner's work. In an interview between the Tate Museum and Rothko's son, Christopher Rothko, Rothko explained that it was his father's use of color and light that most attracted him to Turner. He reported, "I think my father especially connected with Turner's later, more abstract work, perhaps because the simplification of these works, and therefore the direct communication with the viewer's emotions, was what he sought to achieve in his own paintings."

"I think my father especially connected with Turner's later, more abstract work, perhaps because the simplification of these works, and therefore the direct communication with the viewer's emotions, was what he sought to achieve in his own paintings" –Rothko

Rothko's desire as an artist was being able to create a deep connection between the viewer and the paintings, an aspect in which Turner's work also resonated. Such was his admiration for Turner's paintings that he donated the immersive "Seagram Murals" to the Tate Museum in 1969. The artist hoped that his paintings could be displayed in a room adjacent to those where Turner's work held his legacy. His wish came true, as today the "Seagram Murals" are displayed next to the rooms housing the Tuner collection.

Rothko's desire as an artist was being able to create a deep connection between the viewer and the paintings