City Landscape [verso] 

Mark Rothko sketched 'City Landscape' with graphite on paper, at an unknown date. Rothko, a Jewish immigrant from Russia, came to the United States and faced the pervasive antisemitism of the early 20th century. He sought a visual language that could transcend these social divisions, often stating "It is really a matter of ending this silence and solitude." While this sketch may seem simple, it reflects Rothko's complex negotiation of identity and place. The city, an emblem of modernity, is rendered with a raw, almost desperate energy. The jumbled lines and obscured forms evoke the alienation and disorientation that many felt navigating a rapidly changing urban landscape. This work also stands as a testament to the artist's ongoing exploration of the relationship between the individual and their environment. Ultimately, 'City Landscape' is not just a depiction of a place; it’s an emotional map, charting Rothko's personal journey through the complexities of belonging and self-expression.