Untitled (two women before a cityscape) 1936 - 1937

Mark Rothko’s “Untitled (two women before a cityscape)” is an early oil on canvas work that depicts a pair of figures in conversation before an urban backdrop. Though undated, we can speculate that it was made sometime in the 1930s or 40s, when Rothko, a Jewish immigrant from Russia, was finding his place in the New York art world. The economic hardships of the Great Depression and the looming threat of war in Europe led artists to question the social function of art. Here, Rothko seems to be critiquing the art world itself. The figures are rendered in an awkward, almost cartoonish style, suggesting a rejection of academic standards of beauty and skill. The cityscape behind them is bleak and oppressive, perhaps reflecting the social anxieties of the time. Is Rothko commenting on the superficiality and alienation of modern life? What role can art play in addressing the social challenges of the era? To understand the broader context, we might consult contemporary art criticism, manifestos, and social histories of the period. The meaning of art lies not just in the artwork itself, but also in the social and institutional forces that shape its production and reception.