Three Seated Figures 

Mark Rothko created this sketch, "Three Seated Figures," using graphite on paper. It offers a glimpse into his early artistic development. Before Rothko became known for his abstract expressionist color field paintings, he engaged with more figurative subjects. This drawing seems to portray women in quiet contemplation. The setting feels casual, domestic even. Consider the social context in which Rothko was working. In the early to mid-20th century, American art was grappling with questions of identity and representation. We can ask how images like these fit into the institutional settings of art. Are they challenging academic traditions, or reaffirming them? What can the subtle details in the sketch tell us about the role of women in society at that time? To understand Rothko's place within art history, we might consult exhibition catalogs, artists' writings, and critical reviews. It's through these resources that we can start to understand the complex interplay between art, society, and the institutions that support them.