Avery, Gottlieb & Rothko: By the Sea
Discover the story of the enduring friendship between three towering figures in American art: Milton Avery (1885–1965), Adolph Gottlieb (1903–1974), and Mark Rothko (1903–1970). This exhibition highlights the inspiration they derived from summers in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on Cape Ann, and beyond. Through approximately 90 paintings, drawings, and watercolors from the 1920s to the mid-1960s, this exhibition reflects in depth for the first time on the artistic exchange between these three artists, the experiences they shared, and the support they gave one another. Many works have never been on public view.
IMAGE: Milton Avery, Black Sea, 1959, The Phillips Collection, Acquired 1965; © 2025 Milton Avery Trust/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
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Exhibition Catalogue
Contributions by leading scholars and the artists’ family members enrich this unique exploration of artistic friendship and its bearing on the work of three of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists.
This exhibition is organized by the Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, Massachusetts, in partnership with The Phillips Collection.
Curated by Eliza Rathbone, Guest Curator. The exhibition’s coordinating curator at The Phillips Collection is Renée Maurer, Associate Curator.
Essential support for the Washington, DC presentation of Avery, Gottlieb & Rothko: By the Sea is provided by Martha R. Johnston and the Linda Lichtenberg Kaplan Exhibition Fund.
This exhibition is also made possible by Chevy Chase Trust; Stephanie and Greg Guyett; Daniel W. Hamilton; Paul W. Killian and Carole Goodson; and Alexi and Jeff Whitaker.
Additional support is provided by Barbara and Bob Hall. With critical support from The Phillips Collection’s Exhibitions Endowment Fund.
This exhibition and accompanying catalog have been generously supported by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art.
This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.