Mark Rothko — Abstract Expressionism & the Drama of Color (Art Book/Monograph)

Shimmering, pulsating color masses—that’s the power of Mark Rothko. Like no other artist of his generation, Rothko forged a singular visual language: vast, floating fields of color that are meant to be experienced as much as seen. These paintings—often ceiling-high canvases—immerse the viewer in the drama, intimacy, and tragedy of the human condition.

This richly illustrated art book/monograph traces Rothko’s evolution from early figuration to the iconic Color Field works that define Abstract Expressionism. Page after page of luminous reproductions invites slow looking: edges that breathe, tones that hover, and chromatic pairings that seem to vibrate from within.

Why you’ll love it

• Immersive reproductions: Large, high-quality images that showcase Rothko’s subtle edges, veils, and glows

• Clear context: Accessible commentary on themes of spirituality, scale, and viewer experience

• Studio to museum: Landmark works from the 1940s–1960s, including late, darker palettes

• Display-worthy: A modern classic for coffee tables, studios, and teaching libraries

Inside (at a glance)

• A curated survey of Rothko’s most influential paintings

• Insights into his methods, materials, and the role of scale and light

• Biographical overview and art-historical placement within Abstract Expressionism

Pair it with

• A calming glow from Candles for slow-looking sessions

• A journal from Books to capture notes and favorite plates

Bring home a masterclass in color, light, and feeling—Rothko at his most transportive.