Portrait of Hélène Weiglé

Hodler considered coquetry and theatrical exaggeration of feelings as the epitome of femininity. In his portrait of the 16-year-old Hélène Weiglé, the Swiss Symbolist tamed the feminine principle with clear structures. The sprawling leaves opening into a dark path in the upper part of the picture are juxtaposed with the young woman’s rigorous profile and her checked dress against a grey backdrop. She is rather aloofly scrutinizing a single marguerite, and her gracefulness seems artificial, as if she is aware of being observed.

We present today's painting thanks to the Städel Museum. : )

P.S. See here the magnificent mountain landscapes of Ferdinand Hodler. <3