Reclining Nude, Right Arm Supporting Torso 

This is Mark Rothko’s pencil drawing, "Reclining Nude, Right Arm Supporting Torso." The reclining nude is a venerable symbol in art, dating back to antiquity, often associated with Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, and desire. Here, the pose suggests introspection, with the figure's arm supporting her torso. This gesture is reminiscent of ancient depictions of Melancholia, embodying a state of reflective sorrow. Think of Dürer's engraving, where the figure similarly rests her head in her hand, surrounded by symbols of unfulfilled potential. Rothko strips away the allegorical elements, leaving us with the pure emotional posture. This drawing is a powerful echo of our shared human experience, where the weight of thought and emotion finds expression in the simple act of supporting oneself. It invites us to contemplate our own moments of introspection and the burdens we carry within.