Artwork
Schreitender weiblicher Akt, Kopfstudie
Schreitender weiblicher Akt, Kopfstudie 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
Overview
Schreitender weiblicher Akt, Kopfstudie (1916) is an oil painting by Swiss artist Ferdinand Hodler, characterized by its rough, unfinished appearance. Contrary to its title, the work actually depicts a male figure, not a female nude in motion as the name suggests.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features a male head and shoulders, rendered in red and brown hues, with the face turned left and chin slightly raised. Loose lines imply a shirt or jacket, while the title's discrepancy with the depicted subject raises questions about the work's intended representation.
Technique & Style
Hodler employed a distinctive technique, evident in the visible pencil marks, grid pattern, and limited color palette (beige background, red and brown figures). This style aligns with his later Symbolist period, particularly his 'parallelism' approach, though the work's unfinished state sets it apart.
History & Provenance
Created in 1916 during Hodler's later period, the painting is part of the Kunsthaus Zürich collection. Its creation coincides with Hodler's exploration of Symbolism, diverging from his earlier realistic works.
Context
Schreitender weiblicher Akt, Kopfstudie reflects Hodler's transition to Symbolism and 'parallelism', a personal style emphasizing rhythmic forms and emotional depth. The piece, despite its title mismatch, contributes to understanding Hodler's experimental approach during this period.
Legacy
As part of Hodler's later works, this painting contributes to the broader understanding of his artistic evolution and the Symbolist movement in early 20th-century European art. Its uniqueness lies in its unfinished state and the intriguing discrepancy between title and subject.
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…
