Artwork
Bildnis Frederik Robert Martin
Bildnis Frederik Robert Martin is an oil painting by the Symbolist artist Ferdinand Hodler. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
If you're interested in learning more about the artist behind this portrait, look up Ferdinand Hodler.
This painting is a portrait of a man with a receding hairline, dressed in a dark coat and a red tie. His arms are crossed, and he has a mustache.
The man's attire and the style of the painting suggest it is from the early 20th century. The artist's use of bold brushstrokes and vivid colors gives the portrait a dynamic feel.
If you're interested in learning more about the artist behind this portrait, look up Ferdinand Hodler.
Overview
Created in 1916, this oil portrait by Swiss artist Ferdinand Hodler presents Frederik Robert Martin. Executed during Hodler’s mature phase, the work reflects his shift toward a Symbolist approach that he termed "parallelism," emphasizing rhythmic composition and emotional resonance. The painting is part of the permanent collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter appears as a middle‑aged gentleman with a receding hairline, dark coat, red tie, and a neatly trimmed mustache. His arms are crossed, conveying a composed yet introspective demeanor. The portrait captures both the individual’s social standing and an inner psychological presence, aligning with Hodler’s interest in conveying the inner life of his subjects.
Technique & Style
Hodler employs assertive brushwork and a vivid palette, particularly the contrast between the dark attire and the bright red tie. The handling of paint creates a sense of movement within the static pose, while the flattened forms and rhythmic arrangement of elements illustrate his parallelism, merging realism with Symbolist abstraction.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the portrait has remained in Switzerland, entering the holdings of the Kunsthaus Zürich where it is displayed among other works by the artist. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing Hodler’s contribution to early‑20th‑century Swiss art and the broader Symbolist movement.
Artist & collection
Artist
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…
