Artwork

Bildnis Emile Borgeaud (?). Müller am Tisch

Bildnis Emile Borgeaud (?). Müller am Tisch, by Ferdinand Hodler, oil, 1894
Bildnis Emile Borgeaud (?). Müller am Tisch, by Ferdinand Hodler, oil, 1894

Bildnis Emile Borgeaud (?). Müller am Tisch is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Ferdinand Hodler. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Ferdinand Hodler's 1894 painting 'Bildnis Emile Borgeaud (?). Müller am Tisch' is an oil on canvas work held at Kunsthaus Zürich. It exemplifies the artist's post-impressionist style during a period of experimentation.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows an older man, possibly a laborer, resting at a table. His clasped hands and simple attire convey a sense of quiet contemplation. The muted color palette and somber atmosphere suggest a reflective or melancholic mood.

Technique & Style

Hodler's use of oil paint and chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume. The work's post-impressionist style is characterized by a focus on simplicity and emotional expression, marking a departure from Hodler's earlier realistic depictions.

History & Provenance

Created in 1894, the painting is a product of Hodler's period of stylistic exploration, during which he developed his unique 'parallelism' style. It is now part of the Kunsthaus Zürich collection.

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.