Woman Wearing Hat, Seated with Other Figures 

Mark Rothko made this ink drawing of a woman wearing a hat, seated with other figures, at an unknown date. Rothko's early work was figurative, but he's best known for his later abstract expressionist paintings. This drawing provides an interesting counterpoint to his mature style. We see quickly sketched figures, seemingly capturing a scene from contemporary life. The woman's hat and attire suggest a certain social class and era, possibly the 1930s or 40s in New York City. During this period, American art was grappling with questions of identity and representation amidst economic depression and social change. Rothko, along with other artists, sought new ways to express the human condition. Understanding Rothko's artistic journey requires us to consider the social and intellectual climate in which he worked. Art historical research, including examining exhibition catalogs, critical reviews, and the artist's writings, helps us interpret the meaning of his work within its specific cultural and institutional contexts. Ultimately, it's through this lens that we can appreciate art as a reflection of its time.