#37515 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The composition presents a frontal portrait set against a dense backdrop of foliage and scattered blossoms. The subjects face dominates the visual field, rendered with simplified forms and a limited palette. A pronounced brow ridge and a straight, somewhat severe nose contribute to an expression that appears both introspective and resolute. The eyes are dark and deeply set, conveying a sense of melancholy or quiet contemplation.
The artist employed a technique characterized by broad brushstrokes and a deliberate flattening of perspective. This approach minimizes depth and emphasizes the two-dimensionality of the canvas. Color is used expressively; the skin tones range from pale yellows to pinks, while the hair is depicted in dark browns and blacks. The background foliage consists primarily of greens punctuated with bursts of yellow and touches of red from the scattered flowers.
The arrangement of elements suggests a symbolic layering. The subjects proximity to the floral backdrop might allude to themes of beauty, fragility, or perhaps even decay – roses often carry such dualistic connotations. The starkness of the portrait’s presentation, coupled with the somewhat somber expression, hints at an exploration of inner states rather than a straightforward depiction of outward appearance. There is a sense of isolation conveyed by the subjects direct gaze and the lack of contextualizing details beyond the immediate floral environment.
The date inscribed in the lower right corner (1916) places the work within a period marked by significant social and political upheaval, which may have influenced the artist’s focus on psychological depth and emotional intensity. The overall effect is one of restrained emotion and quiet dignity, inviting contemplation about the complexities of human experience.