#37564 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The artwork presents a horizontal composition featuring five female figures arranged across a shallow space. They appear to be nude and positioned in various postures suggestive of distress or introspection. The color palette is muted, dominated by earthy tones – ochre, beige, and pale green – which contribute to an overall sense of melancholy and restraint.
The artist depicted each figure with long, dark hair that obscures portions of their faces, creating a visual barrier between the viewer and direct emotional connection. Some figures cover their faces with their hands, while others appear to be recoiling or shielding themselves from something unseen. The poses are not dynamic; rather, they convey a sense of stillness and inward focus.
The background is rendered in broad strokes of green, suggesting foliage or an ambiguous natural setting. It lacks detail, serving primarily as a backdrop that emphasizes the isolation of the figures. A horizontal line runs along the bottom edge, defining the ground plane and further flattening the pictorial space. The treatment of the bodies is stylized; anatomical accuracy is secondary to conveying emotional states.
Subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of vulnerability, grief, or perhaps a collective trauma. The obscured faces and protective gestures imply an attempt to conceal pain or ward off external threats. The repetition of similar poses across multiple figures suggests a shared experience or a cyclical pattern of suffering. The muted colors and restrained style contribute to the overall atmosphere of quiet despair. It is possible that the work explores ideas about female identity, societal pressures, or the burden of unspoken emotions.