Mark Rothko (1903 - 1970) was an influential American painter known for his iconic abstract expressionist works. Rothko's artistic journey was marked by a gradual shift towards abstraction. He initially experimented with various styles, including figurative and surrealist elements. However, it was during the 1940s that he began developing his signature style characterized by large, rectangular color fields. These paintings, often consisting of softly blurred blocks of intense hues, were intended to evoke emotional responses and create a profound sense of spirituality and transcendence. Today, his profound contributions to abstract art continue to captivate audiences, with his large-scale paintings displayed in major museums and galleries around the world. Rothko's work remains an enduring testament to the power of color, form, and emotion in the realm of abstract expressionism.