3 1/2 stars. I truly loved the writing in this piece. It was the sole reason I managed to finish it. That, and my hope for justice for Kate Rothko. The story is indeed long, complex, and overly detailed. It could have benefited from a bit of streamlining, especially when it comes to what the conspirators were up to. However, perhaps that's asking too much from the author. I'm glad I completed it, but also relieved that I didn't have to work too hard on it (as I skimmed through some parts). This should definitely be made into a movie (imagine Rothko going to Hollywood!). Spend a significant amount of money on the production design (I'm dying to see the warehouse!!!). And someone should find out if Jeff Cronenweth is a Rothko fan.

Also, Aisling Franciosi from The Nightingale?!?!?! Yes please!!

small update to the review 1/24/2024

Absolutely outstanding is the depiction of both Rothko's travails and the events surrounding his death, as well as the suit, misdealings, and outright malfeasance that followed. The window into art being treated merely as merchandise, a concept not unfamiliar to me as a very low tier collector and avid observer, has greatly expanded my knowledge and understanding of the actual mechanics.

As a lawyer myself, I am in awe of Seldes's remarkable ability to summarize, parse, and translate significant parts of the trial from legalese. This makes them not only easily understandable by non-lawyers but also actually entertaining and highly informative. Seldes has masterfully fashioned these elements into a captivating "plot".

It is truly a worthy effort and a great read, even if you have no particular interest in art. The story unfolds in a way that engages the reader and offers valuable insights into the complex world of art and its legal entanglements.

It took me nearly a year to complete reading this book.

I really had to struggle my way through it.

Although there were a few valuable points scattered here and there that I managed to extract from the book, overall, it was a rather unremarkable read.

The story didn't seem to have much depth or excitement.

The characters were not very well-developed, and the plot was rather predictable.

I found myself getting bored at times and having to force myself to keep reading.

However, I did learn a few things from the book, which was a small consolation.

All in all, I wouldn't recommend this book to others unless they are really interested in the subject matter.

The journalist Lee Seldes witnessed the eight-month-long trial where the Rothko children, who had become orphans by then, sued the executors of their father's estate and the gallery that held near-exclusive rights to sell his works.

It's truly a harrowing story. Mark Rothko's intentions were completely ignored, and the estate was defrauded of millions of dollars through self-dealing, fraudulent painting sales, and painting-laundering.

Kate Rothko, Mark's daughter, was just 20 when she initiated the civil suit, and her brother Christopher was even younger. Her courage, tenacity, and patience in seeing the long legal battles to the end are truly beyond praise. She was never motivated by money but was determined to uphold her father's legacy.

In the end, the Rothko children emerged victorious. However, the punishment for Frank Lloyd, the head of the global Marlborough galleries and the mastermind behind the evil schemes, was merely community service.

The amount of biographical information on Rothko is quite limited. This book focuses on Rothko's paintings after his death, as well as the trial and its consequences. It can be rather dull at times.

This piece of writing

is likely to hold interest solely for those individuals who have an absolute passion for Rothko's work.

It may also appeal to those who have a strong desire to gain a deeper understanding of the contemporary art world.

Rothko's art is renowned for its unique style and profound emotional impact.

His works often consist of large, abstract shapes and fields of color that seem to evoke a sense of mystery and contemplation.

For those who love his work, this writing can provide additional insights and perspectives.

On the other hand, for those interested in the contemporary art world, it can serve as a starting point for exploring the diverse range of artists and movements that are shaping the current art scene.

Whether you are a die-hard Rothko fan or simply curious about the contemporary art world, this writing has something to offer.

The insight into certain aspects of the art world at that time and Rothko’s relationships with other well-known artists was truly fascinating. It provided a unique perspective that allowed readers to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of the art scene.

However, the middle section dealing with the court case was rather dense in some chapters. The detailed legal procedures and arguments made it a bit of a challenge for me to get through. It required careful attention and concentration to fully grasp the significance of each point.

Overall, I would highly recommend this article to anyone interested in the art world. Despite the slight difficulty in the middle section, the valuable insights and information it offers make it well worth reading. It serves as a great resource for those looking to expand their knowledge and appreciation of art and the people who shape it.

This article offers an excellent recounting of the tragic aftermath of Rothko's death. It is presented in a way that reads like a captivating novel. The details are vividly described, allowing the reader to almost envision the events as they unfold.

The author skillfully weaves together the emotions, actions, and consequences that followed Rothko's passing. It is not just a simple retelling but a deep exploration of the impact his death had on those around him and the art world as a whole.

The narrative draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from beginning to end. It offers a unique perspective on a tragic event, making it a must-read for anyone interested in art, history, or human drama.

A fascinating and harrowing page-turner of a read awaits you within the pages of this work. Seldes has truly outdone himself with his great writing and reporting. The story unfolds with such vividness and detail that it draws you in from the very beginning. You find yourself completely immersed in the events and emotions that are being described. The writing style is engaging and captivating, making it impossible to put the book down. Seldes has a remarkable ability to bring the characters and their experiences to life, making you feel as if you are right there with them. Whether it's the thrilling moments or the more poignant ones, his reporting is top-notch. This is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it, leaving you with a sense of awe and admiration for Seldes' talent.

The art world has long been a breeding ground for underhanded dealings and unbridled conflicts of interest. In this particular case, a dealer managed to acquire hundreds of Mark Rothko paintings from his estate at a knockdown price.

At the time of Rothko's death, his daughter was a minor. However, her unwavering determination and a stroke of luck in finding an Assistant Attorney General who was willing to dedicate himself to the case ultimately led to a certain degree of justice being served.

This incident shines a light on the murky underbelly of the art world, where such unethical practices can occur. It also highlights the importance of perseverance and the role that a dedicated advocate can play in seeking justice.

Hopefully, this case will serve as a wake-up call to the art community and prompt greater transparency and accountability in future transactions.

I stood in front of the Chapel paintings at the Tate in London. The moment I laid my eyes on those beautiful, haunting paintings, I was terribly moved. The colors, the strokes, the emotions they conveyed - it was all so overwhelming. I couldn't tear myself away from them.

Afterward, I decided to buy the book related to those paintings. As I delved into the pages, I first felt a deep sense of sadness. The stories behind the paintings, the hardships and struggles they depicted, tugged at my heartstrings. But then, as I read further, my sadness turned into anger.

The book revealed the injustices and cruelties that had led to the creation of those paintings. It made me realize the dark side of human nature and the consequences of our actions. It was a powerful book that not only made me appreciate the art but also made me think deeply about the world we live in.