Reclining Female Nude Leaning to Left, Right Arm Supporting Torso 

With ink on paper, Mark Rothko sketched this "Reclining Female Nude Leaning to Left, Right Arm Supporting Torso." The reclining nude, a motif stretching back to antiquity, suggests themes of vulnerability and contemplation. Consider its recurrence, from ancient Greek sculptures to Renaissance paintings, often symbolizing beauty and the idealized human form. Here, the supporting arm is reminiscent of classical depictions of Venus, yet Rothko's raw lines add a modern sensibility. This gesture of support—the arm propping up the torso—echoes through art history. The very act of reclining suggests a surrender, an introspection that invites viewers into a private emotional space. It's as though Rothko taps into a collective memory, stirring primal feelings associated with the human body. Thus, a timeless symbol is reborn, echoing in a modern sensibility.