Mark Rothko's Multiforms, created between 1946 and 1949, mark a significant transition in his artistic journey, leading towards his renowned Color Field paintings. This period is characterized by Rothko's exploration of shape and color, moving away from the more figurative elements of his earlier work towards the abstract compositions he is best known for today. The Multiforms are noted for their layered, cloud-like forms and vibrant use of color, offering a glimpse into Rothko's evolving artistic philosophy. This era in Rothko's career is pivotal, as it reflects his shift from surrealism and mythological themes to the abstract expressionism that would define his legacy. The Multiforms thus represent a critical, exploratory phase, where Rothko began to prioritize emotion and expression through color and form, setting the stage for his iconic Color Field paintings​ (NYCultureBeat)​.