Mark Rothko (1903 - 1970) - photo 1

Mark Rothko

Mark Rothko, born Markus Yakovlevich Rothkowitz (Russian: Ма́ркус Я́ковлевич Ротко́вич) in what is now Daugavpils, Latvia, was a towering figure in the world of modern art, celebrated for his profound contributions to abstract expressionism. This American artist of Russian Jewish descent was known for his pioneering color field paintings, which are distinguished by their vibrant colors and emotional depth. Rothko's art transcends mere visual appeal, aiming to evoke deep emotional responses from viewers. His works are characterized by their simplicity, featuring soft, rectangular forms floating against a monochrome background. This unique style was not just about aesthetics; Rothko intended his paintings to be immersive experiences, reflecting his interest in human emotions and the existential conditions of life.

Rothko's journey from his birth in 1903 in the Russian Empire to becoming an iconic figure in American art is a testament to his enduring legacy. Despite facing challenges, including the early loss of his father and the struggle of immigrating to the United States, Rothko's passion for art and social issues saw him through. His early work was influenced by mythology and classical subjects, yet he evolved towards abstraction, insisting that his art was about expressing basic human emotions such as tragedy, ecstasy, and doom.

Significant works by Rothko include the Seagram Murals, initially commissioned for the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York but later donated to institutions like the Tate Modern, reflecting Rothko's disdain for the commercialization of art. The Rothko Chapel in Houston stands as a testament to his vision of art serving as a space for reflection and meditation.

Despite his tragic suicide in 1970, Rothko's influence remains undiminished. His paintings continue to command high prices at auctions, underscoring his lasting impact on the art world. For collectors and art and antiques experts, Rothko's work represents not only a high point in 20th-century art but also an investment in the transcendent power of color and form to evoke the deepest aspects of human experience.

For those interested in the transformative power of art, signing up for updates on new sales and auction events related to Mark Rothko can provide an opportunity to engage more deeply with his legacy. This is not just about acquiring art; it is about embracing the profound emotional and existential explorations that Rothko embarked upon through his work.

Date and place of birt:25 september 1903, Daugavpils, Russian Empire
Date and place of death:25 february 1970, New York City, USA
Nationality:Latvia, USA, Russian Empire
Period of activity: XX century
Specialization:Artist, Painter
Art school / group:New York School
Genre:Allegory, Landscape painting
Art style:Abstract Expressionism, Color field painting

Creators Latvia

Jacques Chapiro (1887 - 1972)
Jacques Chapiro
1887 - 1972
Vilhelms Purvītis (1872 - 1945)
Vilhelms Purvītis
1872 - 1945
Frančeska Kirke (1953)
Frančeska Kirke
1953
Johann Lebrecht Eggink (1784 - 1867)
Johann Lebrecht Eggink
1784 - 1867
Emil Schultz-Riga (1872 - 1931)
Emil Schultz-Riga
1872 - 1931
Abel Pann (1883 - 1963)
Abel Pann
1883 - 1963
Martins Krumins (1900 - 1992)
Martins Krumins
1900 - 1992
Ludolfs Liberts (1895 - 1959)
Ludolfs Liberts
1895 - 1959
Constantin Kluge (1912 - 2003)
Constantin Kluge
1912 - 2003
Ilya Grigorevich Chashnik (1902 - 1929)
Ilya Grigorevich Chashnik
1902 - 1929
Vija Celmins (1938)
Vija Celmins
1938
Naum L'vovich Aronson (1872 - 1943)
Naum L'vovich Aronson
1872 - 1943
Eduard Yanovich Brentsens (1885 - 1929)
Eduard Yanovich Brentsens
1885 - 1929
Solomon Moiseevich Gershov (1906 - 1989)
Solomon Moiseevich Gershov
1906 - 1989
Leo Svemps (1897 - 1975)
Leo Svemps
1897 - 1975
Alexander Ivanovich Sauerweid (1783 - 1844)
Alexander Ivanovich Sauerweid
1783 - 1844

Creators Abstract Expressionism

Moshe Gershuni (1936 - 2017)
Moshe Gershuni
1936 - 2017
Joe Overstreet (1933 - 2019)
Joe Overstreet
1933 - 2019
Paul Martin (1948 - 2022)
Paul Martin
1948 - 2022
Charles Munka (1981)
Charles Munka
1981
Bob Thompson (1937 - 1966)
Bob Thompson
1937 - 1966
Udo Nöger (1961)
Udo Nöger
1961
Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976)
Alexander Calder
1898 - 1976
Fernando Zobel (1924 - 1984)
Fernando Zobel
1924 - 1984
John Harvey McCracken (1934 - 2011)
John Harvey McCracken
1934 - 2011
Carlo Nangeroni (1922 - 2018)
Carlo Nangeroni
1922 - 2018
Richard Serra (1938 - 2024)
Richard Serra
1938 - 2024
Peter Brandes (1944)
Peter Brandes
1944
Thomas Helbig (1967)
Thomas Helbig
1967
André Thomkins (1930 - 1985)
André Thomkins
1930 - 1985
Barbara Heinisch (1944)
Barbara Heinisch
1944
Paul Cartier (1928 - 2018)
Paul Cartier
1928 - 2018
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