Mark Rothko was an American abstract expressionist painter of Latvian Jewish descent. He was born on September 25, 1903, in Dvinsk (now Daugavpils), Latvia, and passed away on February 25, 1970, in New York City. Rothko is widely regarded as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, known for his profound exploration of color, form, and emotion. Rothko's artistic journey began with figurative and expressionistic works before he transitioned into abstraction. His mature style, which emerged in the late 1940s, is characterized by large, luminous color fields that appear to float on the canvas. These rectangular forms, often softly defined and layered, became known as multiforms or color fields. The central focus of Rothko's paintings was the exploration of human emotion and spirituality through color and composition. He believed that color had the power to elicit deep emotional responses from viewers and to create a contemplative and immersive experience.Rothko's paintings were often created in series, with each series exploring a particular mood or theme. His signature works typically feature stacked or hovering rectangles of vibrant, saturated colors, often in shades of red, maroon, and deep blues. Rothko's approach to painting was deeply influenced by his study of philosophy, mythology, and his interest in the transcendent. He believed that his paintings could evoke a sense of the sublime, transporting viewers to a spiritual and emotional realm. His work gained significant recognition and was exhibited in major galleries and museums during his lifetime. Notable examples include the Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas, which houses a series of his monumental paintings, and the dedicated Rothko Room at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. Mark Rothko's legacy has had a profound impact on the development of abstract art, and his paintings continue to be celebrated for their meditative power and emotional resonance. His contributions to the abstract expressionist movement and his unique exploration of color and form have solidified his place as one of the most important figures in 20th-century art.
Measures 7.25 x 9.75
Printed circa
Verso is blank.
Mounted to archival quality paper.