Large Standing Nude, Face Turned to Viewer, Arms Behind 

Here is Mark Rothko’s pencil drawing of a standing nude figure on paper. Rothko, who was born in Russia and later immigrated to the United States, created this drawing as part of his early exploration of figurative art. The drawing may have been made in the 1930s, a period marked by the Great Depression, and the rise of diverse cultural and political ideologies. The woman’s form, rendered with simple lines, brings a sense of vulnerability and introspection. Her face, turned towards us, engages the viewer directly, challenging the traditional objectification of the nude within art history. Rothko's decision to depict the figure in a realistic, rather than idealized manner, speaks to a desire to represent real bodies and perhaps a broader commentary on the lived experiences of women. Through this drawing, Rothko invites us to consider the intersections of identity, representation, and the complex dialogues between artist, subject, and viewer.