img004 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The painting presents a young girl seated in profile, occupying most of the pictorial space. She is positioned slightly off-center, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a solemn and contemplative expression. The background is rendered in muted tones of grey and green, creating an atmosphere of quiet introspection and minimizing distractions from the central figure.
The artist has employed a restrained palette dominated by cool colors – primarily shades of blue and green – which contribute to the overall mood of melancholy or reserve. The girl’s dress, a dark teal with subtle vertical striations, is meticulously detailed, highlighting the texture of the fabric through careful brushwork. A simple white collar provides a small area of contrast against the darker tones of her clothing. Her hair, pulled back from her face, reveals a high forehead and emphasizes the seriousness of her features.
A single flower, seemingly a daisy or similar bloom, rests in her lap, held loosely within her clasped hands. This detail introduces an element of fragility and perhaps innocence into the composition, contrasting with the girl’s serious demeanor. The placement of the flower is significant; it appears almost incidental, yet draws attention to the vulnerability inherent in childhood.
The chair she sits upon is partially visible on the left side of the canvas, its wooden structure rendered with a degree of realism that grounds the figure within a tangible space. Its sparseness reinforces the sense of isolation and quietude. The lighting is soft and diffused, avoiding harsh shadows and contributing to the painting’s overall subdued character.
Subtly, the work explores themes of childhood, introspection, and perhaps even a nascent awareness of the complexities of life. The girls gaze suggests an understanding beyond her years, while the flower in her lap hints at a delicate beauty threatened by the weight of unspoken thoughts or experiences. There is a sense of restrained emotion conveyed through posture and expression – a quiet dignity that invites contemplation on the subject’s inner world.