The Third - Barnett Newman

A seminal work of American Color Field painting, featuring a vast orange expanse divided by Newman's signature vertical zips.

The Third (1962) is a representative work by Barnett Newman, a figure associated with the New York School of Abstract Expressionism. The composition is defined by a large, expansive field of saturated orange pigment. This central area is interrupted by two vertical lines, or zips, which are characteristic of Newman's mature practice. These lines serve to define the spatial dimensions of the canvas, creating a sense of scale that engages the viewer directly.

One zip is rendered with a textured, painterly quality, while the other appears as a precise, singular stroke. This contrast between the gestural application of paint and the sharp, linear division creates a tension across the surface. Newman intended for his work to communicate a sense of presence rather than represent external reality. By removing traditional subject matter, he focused on the relationship between the viewer and the physical object of the painting.

The scale of the work is intended to envelop the field of vision, encouraging a contemplative experience. The orange hue is applied with a consistency that flattens the pictorial space, pushing the focus toward the edges and the vertical interruptions. This approach to painting rejects the illusion of depth found in traditional Western art, opting instead for a direct encounter with colour and form. The work remains a primary example of how Newman utilised minimal elements to achieve a sense of totality and spatial awareness within the gallery environment.