In the 1970s, Philip Guston's art underwent a radical transformation, marked by a definitive return to figuration after years of abstract expressionism. This period in Guston's career is characterized by the introduction of cartoonish, sometimes grotesque figures, including hooded Klansmen, which would become some of his most iconic and controversial motifs. "The Studio" (1969) is a seminal work from this era, showcasing Guston's self-portrait in a hood, laboring at an easel, signaling his departure from abstraction and the beginning of a new, provocative phase in his art​ (The Art Story)​. Guston's work from the 1970s often depicted scenes filled with personal symbols and narratives, drawing from a rich palette of dark humor, historical references, and societal critiques. Works like "City Limits" (1969), "Head and Bottle" (1975), and "The Line" (1978) are illustrative of this period, featuring enigmatic compositions that blend still life elements with clusters of figures, objects, and landscapes​ (The Art Story)​​ (National Gallery of Art)​. These paintings are notable for their ability to address complex themes such as identity, memory, and social injustice, all while maintaining a sense of immediacy and intimacy that was unique to Guston's style. One of the defining characteristics of Guston's work in the 1970s was its engagement with political and social issues. The hooded Klansmen figures, for instance, were not just a reference to his childhood encounters with racism but also a broader commentary on the state of American society. "Poor Richard" (1971), a series of drawings satirizing President Richard Nixon, exemplifies Guston's direct engagement with the political landscape of his time, blending the personal with the political in a manner that was both critical and introspective​ (Studio Int'l)​​ (Sothebys.com)​. The 1970s also saw Guston grappling with the limitations of abstract expressionism, seeking a visual language that could more accurately capture the tumultuous social and political atmosphere of the era. This led to a body of work that, while deeply personal, also resonated with wider audiences through its exploration of universal themes of human existence, vulnerability, and resilience​ (Sothebys.com)​. Philip Guston's work from the 1970s continues to provoke and inspire, offering a compelling exploration of the capacity of painting to address both the beauty and brutality of the human condition. His legacy from this period is a testament to the enduring power of art to reflect and critique the world it inhabits, raising crucial questions about the role of the artist and the function of art in society​ (National Gallery of Art)​.