Untitled [verso] 

This drawing was made by Mark Rothko, using graphite on paper. It is an unusual work for Rothko, who is best known for his large-scale, abstract paintings, typically using oil on canvas. Here, the choice of materials and methods creates a direct contrast with his later works. This work displays a sketch of a standing figure and an object, roughly drawn with graphite. The drawing seems incomplete, as if it was discarded. The light touch shows the artist's hand, making the act of drawing visible. This contrasts with the grand scale of Rothko's abstract paintings, which eliminate the hand of the artist. Thinking about the use of humble materials like graphite and paper, we can see the significance of this sketch. It gives us insight into the creative process, and the different stages an artist like Rothko goes through. It reminds us that the value of art lies in the ideas and processes behind it, and that these are equally present whether the artwork is a sketch or a finished painting.