Michele Cascella – Little Girl in Green, 1972 Sotheby’s

Here we observe a portrait of a young girl set against a landscape characterized by rolling hills and rows of cypress trees. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the figures presence within the scene. The child stands in profile, her body angled slightly towards the viewer, with one arm extended as if gesturing or reaching out. She wears a vibrant green coat fastened with numerous buttons, topped with a matching hat that obscures much of her forehead and casts shadows across her face. Her hair appears to be reddish-brown, contrasting with the verdant tones of her attire. In her hand, she holds a small bouquet of yellow flowers, their brightness punctuating the muted palette of the background.
The landscape itself is rendered in soft, blurred strokes, suggesting distance and atmosphere. The houses perched on the hills are indistinct, contributing to an overall sense of tranquility and perhaps even isolation. A low-lying field filled with wildflowers occupies the foreground, mirroring the yellow hues of the flowers held by the girl.
The artist’s use of color is noteworthy. The green coat serves as a focal point, drawing immediate attention to the child while simultaneously connecting her visually to the natural surroundings. The muted tones of the landscape create a sense of depth and recession, allowing the figure to emerge from the background. The limited palette contributes to a melancholic mood, tempered by the bright yellow flowers which introduce an element of hope or innocence.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of childhood, memory, and connection to place. The girl’s gesture – the extended arm – could be interpreted as an invitation, a reaching out for connection, or perhaps a simple exploration of her surroundings. Her attire suggests a certain formality, contrasting with the informality of the natural setting. This juxtaposition might imply a tension between societal expectations and individual freedom. The landscape itself, reminiscent of the Italian countryside, hints at a sense of rootedness and belonging, while also suggesting a degree of detachment or solitude. Ultimately, the work presents a quiet contemplation on the passage of time and the enduring power of memory.