Long-haired Woman Seated with Left Leg Crossed and Hands on Ankle 

Mark Rothko sketched this drawing, “Long-haired Woman Seated with Left Leg Crossed and Hands on Ankle,” with ink on paper. The drawing presents us with bold, rapid strokes that coalesce to form the figure of a woman. The composition centers on the seated figure, with swathes of ink delineating her form and the chair, set against a stark, empty background. The lines are raw and gestural, capturing not just the physical likeness but perhaps also an emotional state. Consider how Rothko uses the stark contrast between the black ink and the bare paper to create depth and shadow. The lack of detail invites us to contemplate the essence of the subject rather than specific details. The drawing serves as a study in form and emotion, distilling the figure to its most fundamental elements. It's a powerful reminder that art's value often lies in what is suggested rather than explicitly stated.