Collection: Ferdinand Hodler

Ferdinand Hodler (1853–1918) was a Swiss painter born near Bern and active in Geneva. His early output comprised realistic portraits, landscapes, and genre paintings. He later developed a distinct form of Symbolism, which he termed "parallelism".

Hodler's "parallelism" involved the symmetrical arrangement of figures, often depicted in dancing or ritualistic poses, to express universal themes. This method marked a departure from his initial realistic style. He also produced self-portraits that served as a visual autobiography throughout his career.

Incorporating elements of Art Nouveau, Hodler's work is considered a precursor to Expressionism. His monumental-decorative compositions and exploration of human and cosmic unity influenced subsequent artistic developments.