Dore Ashton

About the Author

Dore Ashton (1924–2017) was a pioneering American art critic, historian, and educator whose incisive writings profoundly shaped the discourse on modern and contemporary art. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin and pursued graduate studies at Harvard University, where she became one of the first women to receive a PhD in art history. As an influential voice in the New York art scene, Ashton contributed to publications like The New York Times and Art Digest, championing abstract expressionism and international artists. Her book About Rothko offers a deeply personal and analytical exploration of Mark Rothko's oeuvre, illuminating the emotional and philosophical depths of his color-field paintings. Throughout her career, she taught at prestigious institutions including Cooper Union and Hunter College, mentoring generations of artists and scholars while authoring numerous books and essays that bridged art and literature.