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Mark Rothko was a renowned American painter of Latvian-Jewish descent who gained recognition for his abstract expressionist paintings. He was born Markus Yakovlevich Rotkovich on September 25, 1903, in Dvinsk, Russian Empire (now Daugavpils, Latvia). From a young age, he showed a passion for art and was encouraged by his father to pursue it. In 1913, his family immigrated to the United States and settled in Portland, Oregon.

In 1921, Rothko started studying at Yale University, but he dropped out after two years to pursue his art career. He moved to New York City, where he studied under the guidance of renowned artists such as Max Weber and Arshile Gorky. Initially, his style was influenced by expressionism and surrealism, but over time, he developed his distinctive style of large, color-field paintings.

Throughout his career, Rothko's work went through various changes and evolved into his iconic color field paintings. These paintings consisted of large, rectangular blocks of solid colors that seemed to vibrate and pulsate with energy. They were meant to evoke an emotional and spiritual response in the viewer, and his use of color and form was intended to create a transcendent experience.

Rothko's work gained critical acclaim in the 1950s, and he became a prominent figure in the abstract expressionist movement. His artwork was featured in prestigious galleries and museums, and he gained a loyal following of art enthusiasts. However, despite his success, Rothko struggled with feelings of isolation and depression.

In the 1960s, Rothko turned to a more somber and darker color palette in his works, which reflected his deteriorating mental state. In 1968, at the age of 65, he tragically took his own life. Despite his struggles, Rothko left behind a vast body of work that continues to inspire and influence artists today.

Today, Rothko's paintings are considered some of the most valuable and sought-after works of art in the world. They have been featured in numerous exhibitions, including a retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. In 2012, his painting "Orange, Red, Yellow" sold for a record-breaking $86.9 million at an auction, making Rothko one of the highest-selling artists in history.