Standing Nude Leaning Forward, Head Lowered, Arms Raised 

This is a pencil drawing by Mark Rothko of a standing nude leaning forward, head lowered, arms raised. Rothko's choice of pencil on paper embodies a directness, a contrast with the rich surfaces he's best known for. The pencil work reveals the form and texture of the figure, creating subtle gradations of light and shadow. The figure is rendered in a series of lines and marks that show us a human form, and capture a sense of the body's weight and volume. The image captures a sense of intimacy through its sketch-like style, and offers insight into Rothko's process. The work involved invites us to consider the value we give to the labor and materials that underpin all artistic expression. It dissolves the false distinction between high art and craft.