Influential Abstract Expressionist

Mark Rothko | Biography

Painting

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : March 19, 2025

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Who is Mark Rothko?

Mark Rothko, born Marcus Rothkowitz on September 25, 1903, in Dvinsk, Russia (now Daugavpils, Latvia), was a pivotal figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement. His family immigrated to the United States when he was ten, settling in Portland, Oregon. Rothko's early education laid the groundwork for his artistic journey as he studied at Yale University and the Art Students League in New York City. He began his career as a painter in the 1930s, initially focusing on urban themes before transitioning to more abstract forms that explored deeper emotional and existential themes.

Rothko is best known for his signature style characterized by large-scale canvases filled with luminous rectangles of color. His work, influenced by a range of artistic movements and figures, prioritizes emotional resonance over representational accuracy. Joining forces with artists like Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock, he became a leader in Colorfield Painting, a subtype of Abstract Expressionism. Rothko envisioned his art as an adventure into the unknown, aiming to evoke profound feelings within viewers through simplicity and color, thus redefining the boundaries of modern art until his death by suicide on February 25, 1970.

Early Life and Education

Mark Rothko, originally named Marcus Rothkowitz, was born on September 25, 1903, in Dvinsk, Russia, which is now known as Daugavpils, Latvia. He was the fourth child of Jacob Rothkowitz, a pharmacist, and Anna (née Goldin) Rothkowitz. When Rothko was just ten years old, his family immigrated to the United States, seeking new opportunities and a better life. They settled in Portland, Oregon, where Rothko's early artistic inclinations began to take shape amidst the changing environment.

Rothko excelled during his academic years, graduating from Lincoln High School in Portland in 1921. He enrolled at Yale University, where he explored both liberal arts and sciences, studying until he left without completing his degree in 1923. Following this, he moved to New York City, where he briefly attended the Art Students League. Rothko's experiences in these formative years, both in academia and the art world, helped to cultivate his unique artistic vision, setting the foundation for his future as a prominent figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement.

Artistic Development in the 1930s

During the 1930s, Mark Rothko began to establish himself as a prominent figure in the New York art scene. His early exhibitions included one-person shows at institutions such as the Museum of Art in Portland and the Contemporary Arts Gallery in New York, where he began to showcase his emerging talents. Rothko became associated with a group of modern artists known as "The Ten," who collectively sought to push the boundaries of artistic expression. This period was significant for Rothko as he explored various themes and experimented with different styles, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to Abstract Expressionism.

As Rothko continued to evolve as an artist, his early focus on urban life gradually shifted towards more profound and timeless themes. Influenced by the ethos surrounding the New Deal and the Works Progress Administration, he began integrating elements of mythology and religion into his work. His paintings during this time displayed a growing abstraction and a departure from representational art, allowing him to express deeper emotional experiences. This transformation marked the onset of Rothko’s unique voice, characterized by an exploration of existential themes that would resonate throughout his later works, setting him on a path toward defining what would become known as Colorfield Painting.

Abstract Expressionism and Colorfield Painting

Mark Rothko, born Marcus Rothkowitz in 1903 in Russia, emerged as a pivotal figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement during the mid-20th century. After immigrating to the United States in his youth, he developed a unique painting style characterized by luminous rectangles of color. This approach was not merely aesthetic but aimed to evoke profound emotional responses in the viewer. Rothko’s evolution as an artist led him to explore spirituality and the human condition, as he moved away from figurative painting to embrace abstraction, ultimately becoming synonymous with Colorfield Painting.

In 1943, Rothko co-authored a manifesto with fellow artist Adolph Gottlieb, emphasizing the importance of expressing complex thoughts through simplified forms. His works often featured expansive canvases dominated by color blocks that seemed to pulsate with light, intentionally designed to be experienced up close, allowing viewers to engage deeply with the emotional layers of his art. By the 1950s, Rothko had fully embraced this abstract vocabulary, focusing exclusively on color, which he believed could convey a spectrum of human emotions without reliance on recognizable forms. His later works, especially the darker hues seeping into his palette, signified not only personal struggles but also a contemplative engagement with existential themes.

Later Work and Death

Mark Rothko’s later work in the 1960s reflected a profound shift in both color palette and emotional depth. He began to favor darker hues, such as maroon, brown, and black, which contributed to an increasingly somber atmosphere in his art. During this period, Rothko was approached for various large-scale public commissions. Notably, he was tasked with creating a series of murals for the Four Seasons restaurant in New York's Seagram Building. However, he ultimately withdrew from this project, feeling it conflicted with his artistic vision. Instead, he devoted significant energy to a series of paintings created for a non-denominational chapel in Houston, Texas, where the environment was designed to complement the reflective nature of his work.

Tragically, Rothko's personal struggles, including a battle with depression and a diagnosis of heart trouble in 1968, took a toll on his life and psyche. On February 25, 1970, the artist took his own life in his studio, marking a somber end to a profoundly influential career. He left behind a legacy rich with nearly 800 paintings, which became the subject of an extensive legal battle involving his family and the executors of his will. Ultimately, his artworks were divided among Rothko's heirs and various museums worldwide, ensuring that his compelling exploration of color and emotion would continue to resonate with audiences.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Mark Rothko's personal life was marked by two significant marriages and the challenges that came with them. His first marriage was to Edith Sachar in 1932, but this union was short-lived and ended in divorce in 1945. The couple had one child, a daughter named Kate, whom Rothko deeply cared for despite the eventual dissolution of their marriage. His relationships and the evolution of his artistic vision often intersected, reflecting the emotional intensity that characterized his life and work.

In 1961, Rothko married Mary Alice Beistle, who remained with him until his untimely death in 1970. Together, they navigated the complexities of his burgeoning fame while dealing with the darker aspects of his mental health struggles. Rothko had a son, Christopher, with Beistle. This second marriage provided him with a sense of stability, yet the pressures of his artistic pursuits and his escalating depression posed significant strains. The legacy of Rothko's personal life continued through his children, Kate and Christopher, who faced legal battles regarding his estate after his tragic passing.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Mark Rothko, born Marcus Rothkowitz in Dvinsk, Russia, on September 25, 1903, is celebrated as one of the leading figures in the Abstract Expressionist movement. His body of work primarily features large-scale canvases characterized by luminous fields of color and simple geometric forms. Although exact figures regarding Rothko's net worth at the time of his death in 1970 are difficult to ascertain, his paintings have since become incredibly valuable, with some selling for tens of millions of dollars at auction and in private sales. This market appeal reflects the lasting impression of his artistry and the significant impact he had on the contemporary art movement.

Throughout his life, Rothko’s earnings primarily came from his artwork, teaching positions, and exhibitions. After moving to New York, he became an influential figure in the art community, collaborating with fellow artists like Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock. His shift to abstract and color field painting solidified his status, attracting collectors and institutions eager to acquire his works. Even today, Rothko's paintings are highly sought after by galleries and private collectors, underscoring how his innovative approach to color and form has escalated his art's value over time, significantly impacting his legacy as a critical figure in 20th-century art.