Untitled (still life with mallet, scissors and glove) 1938 - 1939

Mark Rothko painted this still life with oil on canvas. It includes objects such as a mallet, scissors, and glove. Rothko, born in Latvia and later an American citizen, was from a Jewish family who faced increasing antisemitism and political uncertainty leading up to World War I. The quotidian objects create a sense of familiarity, yet they also evoke complex narratives. The glove might suggest labor, or a personal story, perhaps reflecting aspects of identity, gender, and class. The tools imply work but also potential for change. These objects, divorced from their contexts, invite us to reflect on the deeper implications of labor and identity. Rothko's work is a prompt to consider the role of everyday objects in shaping our perceptions and experiences, while inviting personal reflection and emotional engagement.