The artwork, titled “What the Flowers Say,” was created by the artist Ferdinand Hodler in 1893. Rendered in oil on canvas, this piece is a notable example of the Art Nouveau (Modern) and Symbolism movements. It is a symbolic painting with dimensions of 100 x 50 cm, housed in Kunstmuseum Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
In the artwork, a serene atmosphere is conveyed through the depiction of a contemplative female figure standing in a tranquil natural setting. She is clothed in a simple, flowing dress, exuding a sense of purity and introspection. The figure appears to be engrossed in a quiet moment, standing barefoot on a grassy path adorned with delicate flowers. The background showcases a gentle landscape, subtly rendered to enhance the meditative quality of the scene. The positioning of the hands and the downcast gaze of the subject contribute to the overall sense of reflection. This painting exemplifies Hodler’s ability to merge the stylistic elements of Art Nouveau with the deeper, introspective themes characteristic of Symbolism.
