#37540 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The composition presents a landscape dominated by autumnal hues and a sense of melancholic stillness. A central grouping of trees commands immediate attention; their foliage rendered in vibrant shades of orange and red, suggesting peak fall coloration. These trees are not depicted with botanical accuracy but rather as stylized forms, emphasizing the emotional impact of the season over realistic representation.
The artist placed these prominent trees against a muted background – a pale sky that blends into a distant horizon line. Several smaller, similarly stylized trees populate this backdrop, receding in scale to create depth and reinforce the feeling of vastness. The ground plane is treated with an unusual palette: a patchwork of red and green tones, applied in broad strokes, which seems less concerned with topographical accuracy than with conveying a sense of underlying emotional intensity.
The brushwork throughout appears loose and expressive, contributing to the overall impression of transience and decay. There’s a deliberate lack of sharp detail; forms are suggested rather than precisely defined. This stylistic choice lends an air of dreamlike quality to the scene. The color choices – the fiery reds and oranges contrasted with the subdued background – evoke feelings of both beauty and loss, hinting at the cyclical nature of life and death.
Subtly, a sense of isolation pervades the work. While there is a suggestion of a broader landscape, the focus remains firmly on these solitary trees, standing as silent witnesses to the passage of time. The absence of human presence further amplifies this feeling of quiet contemplation. It’s possible to interpret the painting as an exploration of themes related to mortality, memory, and the enduring power of nature in the face of inevitable change.