img034 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The painting presents a procession of figures arranged in a horizontal format. Six women, nearly identical in appearance and attire, form a chain by holding hands. They are positioned against a flat, pale yellow background that lacks detail or depth cues, contributing to the overall sense of stylized representation. The ground beneath their bare feet appears as a subtly textured area with sparse indications of vegetation – small, circular forms scattered across its surface.
Each woman is clad in a long, flowing blue garment that obscures much of her form, emphasizing verticality and creating a unified visual rhythm. Their faces are characterized by an expression of solemnity or perhaps melancholy; their gazes appear directed forward but lack specificity. The artist has rendered the figures with simplified forms and limited shading, which contributes to a sense of detachment and symbolic weight rather than realistic portrayal.
The repetition of form and gesture suggests themes of unity, ritual, or collective identity. The uniformity of the women’s appearance could be interpreted as an exploration of shared experience or perhaps a commentary on conformity. The barrenness of the landscape reinforces this feeling of isolation and emphasizes the figures procession as a singular, almost timeless event.
The absence of contextual clues – no discernible location, time period, or narrative framework – invites contemplation about broader human conditions. It is possible to read the work as an allegory for perseverance, resilience, or the enduring nature of tradition in the face of adversity. The deliberate flatness and lack of perspective further contribute to a sense of timelessness and universality, elevating the scene beyond a specific moment in time or place.