Seated Man 

This sketch by Mark Rothko presents a figure caught in a moment of repose. Seated, the man’s posture evokes a sense of introspection, his gaze directed inward. Consider the recurring motif of the seated figure throughout art history. From ancient sculptures of contemplative Buddhas to Rodin's "The Thinker," the pose embodies contemplation and self-reflection. Here, Rothko's figure, though simply rendered, carries the weight of this tradition. The slight curve of the back and the gentle slump of the shoulders speak to a universal human experience – a pause for thought amidst the chaos of life. This image taps into our collective memory, stirring subconscious recognition. We see not just a man, but a symbol of our own moments of introspection, brought to life on paper.