img035 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The portrait presents a man viewed from the chest up, his gaze directed squarely at the viewer. The artist employed a vigorous application of paint, creating a textured surface that emphasizes the physicality of the brushstrokes and contributes significantly to the overall expressive quality. A palette dominated by ochres, browns, and reds defines the subject’s face and hair, while darker tones delineate the jacket and shirt collar.
The mans features are rendered with an intensity that conveys a sense of inner turmoil or perhaps profound contemplation. Deep lines etch themselves around his eyes and mouth, suggesting age and experience, possibly hardship. The beard is thickly painted, its texture contrasting with the smoother planes of the face. It appears unkempt, adding to the impression of a man preoccupied by thoughts beyond outward appearances.
The background is kept deliberately minimal – a pale, almost neutral tone that serves to isolate the figure and focus attention on his countenance. This lack of contextual detail contributes to an atmosphere of introspection and psychological depth. The lighting is uneven, with highlights emphasizing certain areas of the face while leaving others in shadow, further enhancing the dramatic effect.
The date 1916 inscribed at the bottom left corner suggests a period marked by significant historical upheaval, which may inform interpretations of the subject’s demeanor. One might infer a sense of weariness or resignation, but also an underlying strength and resilience. The portrait transcends a simple likeness; it seems to explore themes of identity, age, and the burdens of experience.