Having this chronological career-spanning collection is of great significance as it vividly showcases Rothko's artistic evolution. The early works may not resonate with me as deeply as the mature color field era, yet it is truly fascinating to observe his starting point. It serves as a valuable reminder that an artist encompasses far more than just the works I hold in highest regard. After all, one must commence from somewhere before achieving great heights. Therefore, I am grateful for the opportunity to spend some time with these often overlooked paintings, which are not merely those of a young artist. They play a crucial role in paving the way for his later achievements. You can witness his unwavering pursuit and the seeds of what would later become his most renowned masterpieces can be detected in these early pieces.
The essays, although not mind-blowing, are solid and worthy of your attention. The book's size is reasonable, although I would undoubtedly prefer a larger one to better emphasize the significance of scale. The clarity and color reproduction are also good, yet they could potentially be enhanced in today's context. These are minor quibbles that, if I were to grade the entire book on an equal scale, might place it at four stars. However, I am not. The assembled paintings are of utmost importance, and this is indeed a very fine collection. It has provided me with more to contemplate and admire, and for that, I am truly grateful.
