Artwork

Bezauberter Knabe

Bezauberter Knabe, by Ferdinand Hodler, oil, 1897
Bezauberter Knabe, by Ferdinand Hodler, oil, 1897

Bezauberter Knabe is an oil painting by the Symbolist artist Ferdinand Hodler. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Bezauberter Knabe is a 1897 oil painting by Swiss artist Ferdinand Hodler, exemplifying his unique style within the Symbolist movement.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a young boy standing in a field of small white flowers, dressed in a white tank top and shorts, with his eyes closed and fists clenched. The serene atmosphere and the boy's introspective pose evoke a sense of calmness and contemplation.

Technique & Style

Hodler's use of color and composition creates a sense of depth, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figure. The vibrant green background and scattered white flowers contribute to the overall sense of serenity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1897, Bezauberter Knabe is part of the Kunsthaus Zürich collection, representing Hodler's shift from realism to his distinctive style, known as 'parallelism'.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ferdinand Hodler

Artist

Ferdinand Hodler

Ferdinand Hodler (March 14, 1853 – May 19, 1918) was a Swiss painter. He is one of the best-known Swiss painters of the nineteenth century. His early works were portraits, landscapes, and genre paintings in a realistic…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Kunsthaus Zürich open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.