Who painted Selbstbildnis?

Selbstbildnis was painted by Ferdinand Hodler in 1896.

Where can I see Selbstbildnis?

Selbstbildnis is held by Kunsthaus Zürich.

What movement is Selbstbildnis?

Selbstbildnis is associated with Symbolism.

Artwork

Selbstbildnis

Ferdinand Hodler , 1896

Selbstbildnis is an oil painting by the Symbolist artist Ferdinand Hodler. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Ferdinand Hodler’s 1896 oil self‑portrait presents the artist in half‑length, turned slightly to his right against a muted beige backdrop.

Ferdinand Hodler’s 1896 oil self‑portrait presents the artist in half‑length, turned slightly to his right against a muted beige backdrop. Dressed in a black jacket over a white shirt, his dark hair and neatly trimmed beard frame a composed, neutral expression, his gaze drifting away from the viewer. The work exemplifies Hodler’s shift toward Symbolist concerns while retaining his characteristic restraint.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is Hodler himself, rendered with a calm, introspective demeanor that suggests inner contemplation rather than overt narrative. By directing his eyes outward, the portrait invites reflection on the artist’s identity and creative resolve, aligning with Symbolist tendencies to convey psychological depth through understated visual cues.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs Hodler’s “parallelism” approach, arranging forms and tonal planes in a harmonious, rhythmic order. The limited palette of dark clothing against a light background emphasizes silhouette and volume, while the smooth brushwork and lack of decorative detail underscore a focus on structural simplicity.

History & Provenance

Created in the late nineteenth century, the self‑portrait entered the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing key figures of Swiss Symbolism and Hodler’s pivotal role in that movement.

Context

By the mid‑1890s Hodler had moved beyond his earlier realistic portraiture toward a more symbolic visual language. This self‑portrait illustrates that transition, embodying the artist’s personal aesthetic while engaging broader Symbolist themes of inner experience and the search for universal form.

Artist & collection

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…