The Seagram Murals by Mark Rothko, created between 1958 and 1959, are a significant series in the artist's oeuvre, marking a pivotal moment in his exploration of color, form, and emotional depth. Originally commissioned for The Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City's Seagram Building, these works reflect Rothko's first experimentation with a dark palette. Rothko intended these dark, brooding paintings to provoke a strong emotional response in the restaurant's patrons. However, after visiting the restaurant and presumably feeling that the setting would not be conducive to the contemplative engagement he desired for his works, Rothko decided to withdraw from the commission. He felt that an opulent dining space was an unsuitable environment for the serious, introspective experience he intended his murals to evoke. As a result, the completed paintings were never installed in their intended location. Some of these murals were later donated to the Tate gallery, and Rothko made 30 pieces for the series during his lifetime​ (Wikipedia)​.

Rothko's work on the Seagram Murals signaled a shift in his approach to composition, characterized by the use of deep maroons, reds, browns, and blacks. This series included three groups of works, showcasing Rothko's evolving style towards vertical, frame-like shapes and long horizontal panels. These were a departure from his earlier motif of hovering, soft-edged rectangular forms, moving instead towards creating an immersive environment intended to elicit a meditative or contemplative experience from viewers. Rothko's ambition with these murals—and indeed, much of his work—was to create spaces that could envelop the viewer, providing a profound emotional and existential engagement​ (National Gallery of Art)​.

The Seagram and later Harvard mural projects were crucial for Rothko in that they allowed him to work with controlled architectural environments, aligning with his desire to dictate the conditions under which his works were viewed. This control extended to preferences for wall color, hanging height, and lighting, emphasizing the artist's dedication to the viewer's experience of his work. Unfortunately, neither series of murals can be fully appreciated as originally intended by Rothko, due to his withdrawal from the Seagram commission and the alteration of the Harvard murals' appearance over time. Despite this, the Seagram Murals remain a powerful testament to Rothko's legacy, encapsulating his deep commitment to creating art that invites introspection and emotional engagement​ (National Gallery of Art)​.