Artwork
Bildnis Bertha Stucki
Bildnis Bertha Stucki 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
Bildnis Bertha Stucki is a portrait painted in 1894 by Swiss Post-Impressionist artist Ferdinand Hodler. Executed in oil paint, the work is part of the collection at Kunsthaus Zürich.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Bertha Stucki, characterized by her dark hair tied back with a black ribbon, and attire consisting of a dark blue jacket with a gold clasp. Her gentle facial expression, marked by a subtle smile and downcast eyes, conveys serenity and calmness.
Technique & Style
Painted during Hodler's transitional period from realism to his symbolic 'parallelism,' the work showcases evolving compositional and formal approaches. Soft, gentle brushstrokes define the subject's features, particularly the eyes and lips, set against a muted, earthy-toned background.
History & Provenance
Created in 1894, Bildnis Bertha Stucki is now held in the permanent collection of Kunsthaus Zürich, Switzerland.
Context
This portrait reflects Hodler's stylistic shift in the late 19th century, aligning with broader Post-Impressionist explorations of form and expression.
Legacy
As a work from Hodler's transitional period, Bildnis Bertha Stucki contributes to the understanding of his artistic development and the evolution of Post-Impressionist practices in Europe.
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…
