#37516 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The painting presents a young woman in a contemplative pose, her gaze directed downwards and away from the viewer. She is positioned against a dark, vertical backdrop that emphasizes her figure and isolates her within the composition. The lighting is focused on her face and upper body, creating highlights on her skin and clothing while leaving the background in shadow.
Here we see a woman dressed in a loosely fitted blouse with delicate lace detailing at the collar and sleeves. The fabric appears slightly rumpled, suggesting a casual or informal setting. A glimpse of undergarments is visible beneath the blouse’s open neckline, adding a subtle element of vulnerability to her presentation. In her hands, she holds a single red flower, carefully examining it. This small detail introduces an intriguing symbolic layer; the flower could represent love, beauty, fragility, or even loss, depending on interpretation.
The artist employed a muted color palette dominated by earthy tones – browns, creams, and grays – which contribute to the painting’s overall somber mood. The brushwork is visible throughout, lending texture and immediacy to the scene. Theres an impression of realism in the rendering of her features, yet also a degree of idealization; she possesses a quiet beauty that transcends mere portraiture.
The woman’s expression is difficult to decipher definitively. It isnt overtly sad or joyful, but rather marked by introspection and perhaps a touch of melancholy. The downward gaze suggests inward reflection, as if she is lost in thought or preoccupied with something unseen. This invites the viewer to project their own emotions onto her image, fostering a sense of empathetic connection.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of femininity, contemplation, and the fleeting nature of beauty. It seems to explore the inner life of a woman, hinting at complexities beyond what is immediately visible on the surface. The flower serves as a poignant symbol, adding depth and ambiguity to her emotional state.