Untitled (still life in front of window) 1937 - 1938

Mark Rothko created this untitled oil on canvas, a still life in front of a window, during a period of immense social and political change. Rothko, born in Russia and of Jewish heritage, navigated a world increasingly defined by war and displacement. The artwork depicts a serene interior scene, yet it's hard not to see the influence of the external turmoil of the early 20th century. The muted colors and somewhat obscured objects evoke a sense of uncertainty, perhaps reflecting Rothko's own experiences as an immigrant in America. Notice how the window, usually a symbol of openness, is partly blocked by a curtain. Rothko once said, "I'm not interested in the relationship of color or form or anything else. I'm interested only in expressing basic human emotions—tragedy, ecstasy, doom." Consider how this piece might convey these intense feelings through the simplicity of everyday objects. It serves as a reflection on identity, belonging, and the search for stability in a world marked by constant change.