Sitting woman 1938

Mikuláš Galanda painted this intimate scene of a “Sitting Woman” using oil on cardboard. Her simple, shrouded form immediately recalls images of the Madonna, a timeless symbol of motherhood and comfort, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Notice her posture—head bowed, eyes closed—a gesture of introspection and quiet strength. This motif echoes across centuries, from ancient depictions of mourning figures to Renaissance portrayals of Mary in contemplation. The vessel she holds, glowing softly, may be read as a symbol of hope, or perhaps of the soul itself. Consider how similar vessels appear in other contexts, such as ancient Greek funerary art, where they held offerings for the deceased. The red accents—the flower, her face, her hands—introduce a potent, almost visceral element. Red, the color of life and passion, but also of sacrifice and suffering, adds layers of complexity. These symbols continue their cyclical journey through art history, transforming, and reemerging.