Woman in Ecstasy 1911

Ferdinand Hodler made this painting, Woman in Ecstasy, using what looks like oil on canvas, though I don’t know exactly when. Looking at the colours – that acidic yellow background against the ultramarine and red dress – I'm immediately struck by the intensity and how the palette speaks to the emotional fervor of the scene. There’s a lovely materiality to this piece. The paint application feels quick and spontaneous, with visible brushstrokes that add to the dynamic energy. The way Hodler uses complementary colours creates a kind of visual vibration; it’s really powerful. But look closely at the woman’s hands, how they press against her chest – there is such a rawness in the way Hodler’s captured the emotionality of the pose. Hodler's work reminds me a little of Munch’s exploration of heightened emotional states, but there’s also a unique approach to colour and form that sets him apart. You might find that this piece raises more questions than answers, but that’s often where the most interesting conversations begin, don’t you think?