Bust-length Sketch of Woman in Fancy Hat with Bow 

Here we have a drawing by Mark Rothko, made with ink on paper. It depicts the bust of a woman wearing a fancy hat with a bow. The sketch is composed of rapid, thin lines that capture the essence of the figure, conveying a sense of spontaneity and immediacy. The ink, applied with a fluid hand, varies in darkness, creating depth and shadow. Rothko, known for his abstract color field paintings, reveals a different side of his practice here, demonstrating his ability to capture form with minimal means. The choice of humble materials – paper and ink – underscores the work's intimate nature, a departure from the grand scale of his later canvases. By engaging with the simple, almost vernacular act of drawing, Rothko invites us to reconsider the boundaries between fine art and everyday expression. It reminds us that even the most monumental artistic visions often begin with the most modest of materials.