This research analyzed the color symbols that are represented in Rothko’s paintings, through the process of
alchemy from the perspective of analytical psychology, and examined their sanative meaning. His art paintings
were divided into the period of seeking and myth, the period of multiform and color plane painting, the
period of the Rothko Chapel, and the period of post-Rothko Chapel according to the themes of the process in
which he was seeking his identity as color plane painting artist. The alchemistic changes of his paintings
corresponded to the process in which he overcame the difficulties in his life and established his identity, and
it can be said that they interlock with the sanative power of art. The alchemistic changes are connected with
the process of individuation from the perspective of analytical psychology, and it was confirmed that his
many works show such a journey through the process. Rothko established his own identity and had a
balanced life through allowing his inner character to emerge, but in the stage of death, he fails to be
conscious of the shadows and is captivated by the persona. Eventually, the contact with his inner character
was severed through suicide but Rothko devoted his life to realizing individuation through his own life and
works. It can be said that the emotional and archetypal strength of color symbols of his works is sanative in
that it enables the audience to have the experience of communicating with their true selves.