San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Sells Rothko’s Untitled, 1960 for Over $50 Million at Sotheby’s Auction
In May 2025, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) made headlines by deaccessioning a prized work by the legendary abstract expressionist Mark Rothko. The painting, Untitled, 1960, achieved a remarkable sale price of $50.1 million at a high-profile Sotheby’s contemporary art auction in New York, affirming Rothko’s enduring significance and strong market demand.
The Painting’s Importance Within Rothko’s Oeuvre and SFMOMA’s Collection
Untitled, 1960 is a powerful example of Rothko’s mature color field paintings, created during a pivotal year in his career. Characterized by large expanses of layered color that evoke profound emotional and spiritual responses, this piece showcases Rothko’s mastery in blending hues and textures to create immersive experiences. Measuring approximately 175 x 127 cm, the painting was originally acquired by SFMOMA in 1962, exchanged directly with Rothko in a trade involving earlier works, a testament to its importance in the museum’s holdings.
SFMOMA is known for its strong modern and contemporary art collection, including other Rothko masterpieces such as No. 14, 1960, widely regarded as the artist’s crowning achievement. The decision to sell Untitled was made to “enhance contemporary holdings and address art historical gaps,” reflecting the museum’s strategic commitment to diversifying its collection. According to SFMOMA’s director, Neal Benezra, auction proceeds will support new acquisitions by artists from historically underrepresented groups, broadening the museum’s cultural scope.
The Sotheby’s Auction Night: Competitive Bidding and Market Dynamics
The auction held on May 16, 2025, was a landmark evening at Sotheby’s, yielding a total of $341.9 million across 56 contemporary artworks. Rothko’s Untitled soared to the high end of its pre-sale estimate ($35 million to $50 million) amid spirited global bidding from multiple collectors. The anonymous buyer secured the work following a tense four-way bidding contest, underlining Rothko’s stature and the continued enthusiasm for Abstract Expressionism in the art market.
This sale was part of a broader trend confirmed by auction houses and art market analysts, where post-pandemic demand for mid-20th-century modern masters persists strongly. Sotheby’s senior auction head David Galperin remarked on the event’s energy and record-setting sales, highlighting that several works brought to market for the first time broke world records.
Strategic Importance of the Sale for Museum’s Future
SFMOMA’s choice to deaccession Untitled, 1960 adheres to the guidelines of the Association of Art Museum Directors, ensuring museum stewardship integrity. By reallocating funds from the sale, SFMOMA reinforces its commitment to inclusivity and innovation in collecting practices, as detailed in their recent announcements on future acquisitions.
The museum recently disclosed plans to acquire works by celebrated contemporary artists such as Alma Thomas, Frank Bowling, and Mickalene Thomas, spotlighting voices historically overlooked in institutional collections. Such moves align with growing calls within the museum sector to address structural inequities and expand representations across gender, ethnicity, and artistic mediums.
Rothko’s Enduring Legacy in the Art World
Mark Rothko remains one of the most influential figures of Abstract Expressionism, with works commanding record prices and holding profound cultural resonance. His use of vast fields of color to embody complex emotional states continues to inspire artists and collectors worldwide.
Noteworthy historical sales include Rothko’s Orange, Red, Yellow (1961), which sold for $86.9 million at Christie’s in 2012, setting a then-record for postwar art. Rothko’s market stability and critical acclaim make pieces like Untitled, 1960 prized assets for both public institutions and private collectors.
Capture the Moment: Visual Highlights and Cultural Significance
The painting’s exhibition history includes showings at Sotheby’s locations in London, Taipei, and Hong Kong before the New York auction, enhancing international interest and recognition. High-quality images of Untitled, 1960 are accessible through SFMOMA’s official collection page and Sotheby’s catalog.
Art enthusiasts can explore Rothko’s broader influence and market performance via trusted art-centered platforms such as Artsy and Christie’s insights on Abstract Expressionism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the significance of Mark Rothko’s Untitled, 1960?
This painting exemplifies Rothko’s mature color field style and represents a key moment in his career. It embodies his use of large color expanses to evoke emotional depth and spiritual contemplation.
Q2: How much did Untitled, 1960 sell for at Sotheby’s?
The artwork sold for $50.1 million in May 2025, reaching the high end of its estimated range.
Q3: Why did SFMOMA decide to sell this Rothko painting?
The deaccession was part of a strategic plan to diversify the museum’s collection and acquire works by artists from underrepresented backgrounds.
Q4: Are other Rothko paintings still in SFMOMA’s collection?
Yes, the museum retains several Rothko works, including the renowned No. 14, 1960, considered one of his masterpieces.
Q5: How does the sale reflect trends in the art market?
The strong bidding and high price confirm ongoing global demand for mid-20th-century masters and Abstract Expressionism.
Q6: Where can I view high-quality images of Untitled, 1960?
Official images are available through SFMOMA’s collection page and Sotheby’s auction catalog.
Mark Rothko’s Untitled, 1960 sale marks a significant moment in the intersection of museum stewardship, art market dynamics, and evolving cultural values. This transaction underscores the continued relevance and power of Rothko’s vision, while spotlighting the shifting priorities of major art institutions toward greater inclusivity.