Mark Rothko never set foot in Houston, let alone the chapel in Montrose named for him.

Yet Houston has been infatuated with the artist since the austere space opened in 1971. At first glance, the 14 paintings inside seem bleak. While their deep plum hues come out on bright days, they're so somber they can make the viewer ache as much as Mozart's "Requiem." You've read your last free article on Houston Chronicle this month. To continue reading please subscribe or sign in

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Yet Houston has been infatuated with the artist since the austere space opened in 1971. At first glance, the 14 paintings inside seem bleak. While their deep plum hues come out on bright days, they're so somber they can make the viewer ache as much as Mozart's "Requiem."