#37559 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The composition presents a row of four figures seated on what appears to be a low platform or ledge. The individuals are female, and their poses suggest a formal arrangement, almost like they are posed for a group portrait. They all face forward, though each exhibits a slightly different expression – ranging from contemplative to somewhat melancholic. Their bodies are rendered with simplified forms, emphasizing the contours of their faces and shoulders.
The figures wear similar garments: loose-fitting tunics in shades of blue-grey, draped over what seem to be simple undergarments. The uniformity of dress contributes to a sense of collective identity or shared experience. Each figure’s hands are positioned differently – one rests on the lap, another is clasped in front, and others appear to be holding something unseen.
The background is dominated by an abundant floral motif. A dense band of roses, rendered in vibrant reds and whites, stretches across the upper portion of the canvas, while a similar border appears at the base. The roses are stylized rather than realistically depicted, contributing to the painting’s decorative quality. The ground beneath the figures is painted in a warm reddish-brown hue, which contrasts with the cool tones of the garments and background foliage.
The overall effect is one of restrained emotion and symbolic weight. The arrangement of the figures suggests a ritual or ceremony, while their expressions hint at underlying anxieties or uncertainties. The roses, traditionally associated with love and beauty, may also carry connotations of transience and decay, given their stylized rendering and abundance. The painting seems to explore themes of female identity, collective experience, and the complexities of human emotion within a formal, decorative framework. There is an intentional flattening of perspective, which contributes to the work’s dreamlike quality and emphasizes its symbolic rather than representational purpose.