#37541 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The painting presents a young child in what appears to be a domestic interior. The figure is positioned centrally within the composition and occupies nearly the entire vertical space. A muted palette dominates; tones of red, brown, and grey are prevalent, contributing to an overall sense of subdued atmosphere.
Here we see the child dressed in a somewhat elaborate garment – a long coat or dress rendered in shades of crimson and accented with dark trim. The attire suggests a degree of formality or perhaps a special occasion. A decorative hat adorned with flowers sits atop the head, further emphasizing this impression. The child’s posture is notable; one hand is raised slightly as if gesturing or balancing, while the other hangs loosely at the side. This pose introduces an element of informality and spontaneity into the otherwise structured scene.
The background is indistinct, a wash of grey-blue that lacks detail, effectively isolating the figure and directing attention to their presence. The floor appears to be wooden, with visible brushstrokes suggesting texture and depth. A shadow cast by the child falls on the floor, grounding them within the space.
Subtleties in the painting suggest a contemplation of childhood innocence and fleeting moments. The slightly melancholic expression on the child’s face hints at an underlying complexity beyond simple joy or playfulness. The muted colors and lack of sharp detail evoke a sense of nostalgia or memory – as if recalling a scene from the past. The artists choice to depict the child in such a formal setting, yet with a gesture that implies movement and perhaps even vulnerability, creates a tension between expectation and reality. It is possible to interpret this as an exploration of the transition from childhood to adulthood, where formality and spontaneity coexist.