Oz #13 Charles Santore (1935-)

The composition presents a young girl in profile, viewed from behind, engaged in what appears to be a moment of profound emotional release. She is clad in a blue and white checked dress and sturdy boots, suggesting practicality and perhaps a connection to rural life. A large pink bonnet obscures much of her face, leaving only the curve of her cheek and shoulder visible. The posture – shoulders slumped, head bowed – indicates distress or overwhelming sadness.
A significant element is the presence of a raven perched on a stone nearby. Its dark plumage contrasts sharply with the girl’s attire and the surrounding landscape, drawing immediate attention to its ominous quality. The birds direct gaze towards the viewer establishes an unsettling connection between the scene and the observer. Ravens frequently symbolize ill omen, death, or prophecy in folklore, suggesting that the girl’s sorrow may be linked to a foreboding event or revelation.
The setting is rendered with a degree of idyllic charm; golden grasses sway gently behind her, and vibrant yellow flowers bloom at her feet. This juxtaposition of beauty and melancholy creates a poignant tension within the scene. The landscape seems almost indifferent to the girl’s distress, amplifying the sense of isolation she experiences.
The artist has employed a limited palette dominated by blues, yellows, and pinks, contributing to the paintings overall mood. The use of light is subtle; it appears diffused, casting soft shadows that further enhance the atmosphere of quiet despair. The vertical format emphasizes the girl’s vulnerability and heightens the sense of her being exposed or observed.
Subtly, the image hints at themes of loss, grief, and perhaps a confrontation with difficult truths. The ravens presence suggests an impending change or challenge that will impact the girls life, while the idyllic setting underscores the fragility of happiness and the inevitability of sorrow.