Sketch of a Woman's Face and a Leaf [recto] 

This is a pencil sketch of a woman's face and a leaf by Mark Rothko. The pale paper and delicate graphite lines create an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, drawing us into a world of subtle forms. The composition is strikingly simple. A profile of a woman’s face floats near the top, while a small, detailed leaf sits below. Rothko’s use of line is minimal, yet each stroke is imbued with intention. Note how the gentle curve of the woman's brow contrasts with the sharp angles defining the leaf. Rothko, known for his abstract expressionist paintings, here reveals his mastery of figuration. The juxtaposition of the human form with the organic leaf invites us to consider relationships between nature and humanity. Is Rothko exploring ideas of transience and permanence, or the interplay between inner emotional states and the external world? Observe the subtle asymmetry of the drawing, contributing to its dynamic tension. This sketch is a reminder that art exists not in fixed meanings, but in the unfolding dialogue between the artwork and the observer.