Two Girls in Yellow and Pink, private collection Wilhelm Kotarbiński (1849-1922)

The composition presents two female figures enveloped within a swirling atmosphere of muted blues and grays, punctuated by bursts of yellow and pink. The foreground figure dominates the visual field; she is depicted in a flowing, pale yellow garment that clings loosely to her form, revealing a bare shoulder and upper chest. Her posture suggests a gesture of supplication or perhaps an attempt at reaching out, with one arm raised towards the second figure. A melancholic expression graces her face, hinting at longing or sorrow.
The second female figure is positioned further back within the composition, partially obscured by the swirling background. She appears to be reclining on what might be interpreted as a cloud or draped fabric, and she gazes directly forward with an enigmatic expression. Her attire consists of pink and white fabrics that contribute to the overall dreamlike quality of the scene.
Scattered throughout the painting are numerous golden-yellow petals, seemingly suspended in mid-air, adding a layer of symbolic richness. These could represent lost beauty, fleeting moments, or perhaps a sense of decay intertwined with hope. The background itself is rendered with loose brushstrokes and a lack of precise detail, creating an ethereal and ambiguous space that defies easy interpretation.
The use of color contributes significantly to the painting’s mood. The muted blues and grays establish a somber tone, while the splashes of yellow and pink introduce elements of warmth and vibrancy, albeit tinged with a sense of fragility. The overall effect is one of wistful nostalgia and an exploration of themes such as loss, desire, and the ephemeral nature of beauty. The composition’s vertical format further emphasizes the figures upward reach, reinforcing the feeling of yearning or aspiration.