Ferdinand Hodler

Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918) is one of Switzerland’s most influential painters from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Bern, Hodler faced a challenging childhood marked by the early loss of many family members. Trained in the studio of painter Ferdinand Sommer, he quickly developed a unique style influenced by Symbolism and Realism, as well as elements of Romanticism and Art Nouveau. His works are characterized by a quest for harmony and symmetry, an approach he called "parallelism," which aimed to reveal the unity of the cosmos.

Hodler's recurring themes include nature, death, spirituality, and introspection, expressed through luminous landscapes, expressive portraits, and powerful symbolic compositions. His major works include The Night, Eurythmy, and his series of Lake Geneva views. Hodler also received significant public commissions, including murals in Geneva, and played a key role in the renewal of Swiss art, influencing artists beyond national borders. His vision of the human figure, balanced and emotionally resonant, has cemented his status as a central figure in European modern art.