#37524 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The composition presents a reclining female figure dominating the horizontal format. The subject lies on her side, her body rendered with broad, simplified forms and a limited palette primarily consisting of greens, yellows, browns, and creams. Her posture suggests repose or perhaps vulnerability; the head is turned away, obscuring any facial expression.
The background is not depicted realistically but rather as an abstract landscape composed of flat planes of color. A band of green defines the horizon line, above which are suggested forms that might be trees or foliage, also rendered in simplified shapes and colors. The ground upon which the figure rests appears to be a dark brown, delineated from the upper portion by a darker green strip.
The artist’s brushwork is visible throughout, contributing to the overall sense of immediacy and expressive freedom. Lines are used not for precise delineation but rather to suggest form and volume. Theres an intentional flatness to the image; depth is minimized, creating a stage-like effect where the figure appears isolated against the backdrop.
Subtleties within the work hint at possible interpretations beyond a simple depiction of the nude. The positioning of the body, combined with the obscured face, evokes a sense of introspection or melancholy. The simplified landscape could be read as symbolic – representing an internal emotional state rather than a specific location. The limited color range reinforces this feeling of restraint and quietude.
The overall effect is one of stylized representation, prioritizing expressive qualities over naturalistic accuracy. It suggests a focus on the psychological impact of the subject rather than a purely aesthetic or anatomical study.