Reclining Female Reading a Book, Head Resting on Hand 

Here we see a graphite drawing by Mark Rothko of a reclining female reading a book. Rothko, born in Latvia in 1903 and later an influential figure in the abstract expressionist movement, created this piece at a time when social realism and figurative art were prominent. The drawing captures a woman in a moment of quiet introspection. Her body is relaxed, head resting on her hand, seemingly lost in the pages of her book. In the context of early 20th-century gender roles, the image offers a subtle commentary on women's intellectual pursuits and inner lives. While Rothko is best known for his abstract works, this early drawing hints at his interest in emotional depth and the human condition. Consider how the seemingly simple act of reading becomes an intimate portrayal of a woman's engagement with knowledge and self-discovery. It invites us to reflect on the importance of solitude and the power of literature in shaping our understanding of the world.