Seated Nude in Straight Back Chair 

Here we see a drawing, Seated Nude in Straight Back Chair, by Mark Rothko. The sketch presents a figure outlined with stark, linear precision. Notice how the form of the nude is constructed from a series of simple, confident strokes that capture the essence of the subject without indulging in excessive detail. Rothko uses line to define volume and shadow, creating a stark contrast on the bare page. The composition directs your eye upwards, encouraging a semiotic interpretation of the nude subject. The strategic use of negative space contributes to a sense of balance, yet the simplicity of the lines could suggest a challenge to traditional academic drawing. As you leave, consider how Rothko's drawing is not just an exercise in form, but an early exploration of reduction that would later define his abstract canvases.