Figures Walking in an Urban Landscape [recto] 

Mark Rothko made "Figures Walking in an Urban Landscape" with watercolor and graphite on paper. Rothko’s loose application of the watercolor creates a sense of lightness, almost as if the scene is a fleeting memory. The thin washes of color and visible graphite lines contribute to the work's ethereal quality. The figures are rendered without distinct facial features, emphasizing anonymity within an urban environment. Rothko's choice of watercolor, a medium often associated with spontaneity, reflects his willingness to let the materials guide the process. The urban setting is depicted through simplified forms, suggesting a city stripped down to its basic elements. The artist employed loose brushwork and a muted color palette to evoke a sense of urban alienation. Looking closely at how Rothko handled his materials provides insight into the cultural and social context of his art. By considering the materiality of this piece, we can better understand the artist’s intentions.