Seated Figure Turned Three-quarters to the Right, Hands on Lap 

Mark Rothko made this pencil drawing, "Seated Figure Turned Three-quarters to the Right, Hands on Lap", at an unknown date. Though Rothko is best known for his abstract paintings, this drawing provides a glimpse into his earlier figurative work. The sketch likely dates from Rothko's time in New York City, where he moved in 1925. It could have been made during his classes at the Parsons School of Design or the Art Students League. In the 1930s, Rothko joined The Ten, a group of artists who protested against the restrictive practices of art institutions like the National Academy of Design. Rothko and others felt these institutions were out of touch with contemporary art trends. This drawing may represent an exercise in academic convention, or it may simply be the study of a person unknown to us. By looking at the art and social history of the time, we can better understand the context in which Rothko worked, and gain new insights into the meaning of his art.