There are Rothko paintings in museums around the world, but you can see the largest display right here in DC. The National Gallery has more Rothko works on view than anywhere else—they’re something you really have to see in person. Starting in 1949, Rothko began creating the bold paintings he’s best known for: rectangles of color on monochrome backgrounds. He used layer after layer of paint to create a kind of depth that pulls you in the longer you look. Standing in front of a Rothko can be a su