Standing Nude Leaning to the Right, Head Resting on Hand 

Mark Rothko made this line drawing, "Standing Nude Leaning to the Right, Head Resting on Hand," at an unknown date. This piece invites us to consider the evolving role of the nude in art history. Traditionally, the nude was a celebration of idealized beauty, shaped by institutional norms like the academy. But here, Rothko presents a more vulnerable, less idealized figure. Consider the historical context: Rothko was working during a period of significant social change, with shifting attitudes towards sexuality and the body. Was Rothko commenting on these changes, challenging the established artistic norms, or even critiquing the male gaze? To fully understand this drawing, we would need to delve into Rothko's biography, studying his influences and the artistic debates of his time. We might examine exhibition reviews, artists' manifestos, and even social histories of the period. Art history gives us the tools to explore the complex relationship between art, culture, and society.