Join The Collection to save, track, and explore works like this.

Mark Tobey — Introductions Basel, 1964
Mark Tobey

Introductions Basel, 1964

1964

This abstracted composition comprises thousands of small, delicately rendered rectangular forms in warm ochre and cream tones against a pale ground. The marks are densely distributed across the entire surface, creating a shimmering, rhythmic texture that suggests urban architecture or a crowded marketplace seen from a great distance. The meticulous application of tempera and graphite creates subtle tonal variations that animate the surface, inviting close viewing despite the work's modest scale. The composition evokes the sensory experience of bustling city life and human interaction, translating visual chaos into ordered, meditative mark making.

Medium
tempera and graphite on paper mounted on board
Overall

Notes

Contemporary Day Auction, Sotheby's, sale on 2026-05-15.

🔨 Auction Lot

Contemporary Day Auction

May 15, 2026

Estimate: $400,000$600,000

For Sale

Start the Discussion

Request access to join the discussion

About this work

Mark Tobey, Introductions Basel, 1964, 1964

This abstracted composition comprises thousands of small, delicately rendered rectangular forms in warm ochre and cream tones against a pale ground. The marks are densely distributed across the entire surface, creating a shimmering, rhythmic texture that suggests urban architecture or a crowded marketplace seen from a great distance. The meticulous application of tempera and graphite creates subtle tonal variations that animate the surface, inviting close viewing despite the work's modest scale. The composition evokes the sensory experience of bustling city life and human interaction, translating visual chaos into ordered, meditative mark making.

Medium
tempera and graphite on paper mounted on board
Dimensions
overall: 137.8 x 69.9 cm
Year
1964
Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Modernist Art, Tonal Variation, Mid Century Modern, Architectural Elements, Crowded Forms, Systematic Abstraction, Rhythmic Pattern, Urban Landscape, Tempera On Paper, Geometric Marks, Basel School, Graphite Work, Textured Surface, Contemplative Mark Making, Abstract Composition

More works by Mark Tobey