Preparatory sketch for ''Courtship'' 1879

Gerolamo Induno made this preparatory sketch for ''Courtship'' with oil paint. Initially, the earthy tones and subdued light may give the impression of a simple domestic scene. However, the composition reveals a structured contrast. Observe the division of space: to the left, an aged woman sits in shadow, seemingly bound by domestic tools. To the right, a younger woman gazes out the window, bathed in light. The composition thus stages a dialectic between confinement and freedom. Consider how Induno uses the window not merely as a source of light but as a pictorial device that frames the younger woman and invites contemplation on the themes of expectation and transition. The stark contrast in light and shadow also suggests a semiotic system, where light represents hope and the shadowed interior represents tradition. This contrast might subtly question prevailing social values. The rough brushwork and unfinished details further emphasize the transient nature of the moment captured, inviting viewers to reflect on the interplay between tradition and modernity.