Orange, Red, Yellow, (1961) by Mark Rothko

The rectangles within this painting do not extend to the edges of the canvas and appear to hover just over its surface. Heightening this sensation is the effect of chromatic afterimage. Staring at each colored segment individually affects the perception of those adjacent to it. The red-orange center of the painting tints the yellow above it with just a bit of green. The yellow above seems to tint the orange with blue. Despite these color relationships, Rothko did not want his pictures appreciated solely for their spectral qualities. He said,

Forty-two years after his death, Mark Rothko sets records at a Christie's auction, which, again, has its own reasons to walk down the pages of history. A brilliant camaraderie of three colors, Orange, Red, Yellow - Rothko's timeless creation from 1961, shattered all records for post-war and contemporary art by fetching $87 million.

Rothko's record comes a week after The Scream by Edward Munch became the most expensive artwork sold at an auction, ever. The Wall Street Journal stated that "The painting's trio of orange and yellow rectangles bobbing atop a cherry-red background forms a palette that's as eye-catching as a sunset or a Popsicle.", noting that "Auction specialists say collectors historically pay more for works that are red and gold, as opposed to gray."