Meaning: Mark Rothko, a prominent abstract expressionist artist of the 20th century, is known for his deep and contemplative paintings that often evoke a sense of spirituality and emotion. The quote provided sheds light on Rothko's approach to using titles for his artworks, drawing a connection between the known myths of antiquity and the eternal symbols that he believed were essential for expressing fundamental psychological concepts.

Rothko's choice of titles for his artworks often alludes to ancient myths and symbols, reflecting his belief in the enduring power of these archetypal images to convey profound psychological and emotional truths. In his view, these ancient myths and symbols served as timeless and universal references that could effectively communicate the fundamental aspects of human experience.

Rothko's assertion that "we have used them again" suggests a deliberate and conscious decision to revisit and reutilize these ancient myths and symbols in his artistic practice. This highlights his belief in the enduring relevance and significance of these archetypal motifs, emphasizing their ongoing resonance and applicability in the context of contemporary psychological and emotional expression.

The phrase "eternal symbols upon which we must fall back" underscores the foundational role that Rothko ascribed to these ancient myths and symbols. For him, these symbols were not merely optional or incidental elements in his artistic vocabulary; rather, they were essential and indispensable tools for grappling with and articulating essential psychological ideas. The use of "fall back" conveys a sense of reliance and necessity, suggesting that these eternal symbols served as a reliable and enduring resource for Rothko in his quest to convey profound psychological and emotional content in his art.

Rothko's emphasis on "express[ing] basic psychological ideas" underscores the underlying purpose and intention behind his artistic endeavors. His paintings were not merely aesthetic exercises or formal explorations of color and form; rather, they were vehicles for communicating fundamental and elemental aspects of human psychology and emotion. By invoking the known myths of antiquity and eternal symbols, Rothko sought to tap into a reservoir of universal meaning and significance, transcending the limitations of language and culture to access fundamental psychological truths.

In essence, Rothko's quote encapsulates his deep-seated belief in the enduring power and relevance of ancient myths and symbols as vehicles for expressing essential psychological ideas. By drawing on these timeless and universal references, he aimed to create artworks that resonated with profound emotional and psychological significance, transcending the boundaries of time and culture to speak to the fundamental aspects of the human experience.

Rothko's approach to using titles for his artworks reflects his conviction that the known myths of antiquity and eternal symbols are not merely relics of the past, but enduring sources of inspiration and insight that continue to hold relevance for contemporary expressions of human emotion and psychology. His quote provides valuable insight into the philosophical and psychological underpinnings of his artistic practice, shedding light on the profound intentions and considerations that informed his approach to creating deeply evocative and emotionally resonant paintings.