The Landing by Judith Rothschild

Judith Rothschild
1921–1993 | American

The Landing

Signed “Judith Rothschild” (lower right) and inscribed “Rothschild 24 x 30 The Landing” (en verso)
Oil on canvas

Judith Rothschild was an American abstract painter and philanthropist, born in New York City. A pioneering figure in Abstract Expressionism, Rothschild is known for her gestural brushstrokes and refined use of color, exemplified in this work.

The painting embodies mid-century style, showcasing Rothschild’s mastery of dynamic composition with bold black lines set against a delicate pastel backdrop. The restrained yet sophisticated palette incorporates soft pinks, blues and strategically placed yellow and orange highlights, adding depth and spatial tension. The interplay of color and form reflects the post-war American abstraction movement, which sought to express emotion and psychological states over representational imagery.

A member of the illustrious Rothschild family, Judith was born to art collectors Herbert and Nannette Rothschild. In pursuit of early twentieth-century avant-garde art, the Rothschilds made periodic trips to Europe. Rothschild’s work is held in prestigious collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Tate Modern, the Art Institute of Chicago and SFMOMA, among others. She also established the Judith Rothschild Foundation, aimed at preserving and promoting the works of her contemporaries.

Painted 1962

Exhibited:
New York, Knapik Gallery, Judith Rothschild, Recent Oils and Collages, April 3 – 31, 1962.

Provenance:
Estate of the artist, New York
The Judith Rothschild Foundation, New York (no. 63.03)
Private Collection
M.S. Rau, New Orleans