Ferdinand Hodler

Swiss historical painter, Symbolist, Modernist predecessor? Here, murals of significant moments in Swiss history; there, lyrical, rapturous Alpine landscapes and sensitive depictions of people: Ferdinand Hodler’s life and art are multifaceted. The man, who presented himself as a virile, forceful genius, grew up under difficult circumstances and became one of the most famous artists of his time. Orphaned at the age of fourteen, the experience of death determined his entire body of work. Hodler’s motto was said to have been “cherchez la femme!”, yet he was the also the creator of one of the most radical, touching cycles of paintings in art history: the suffering and death of his lover, Valentine Godé-Darel. In seven sketches Ulf Küster creates a portrait of this fascinating personality and provides an introduction to his work.