Artwork

Rückzug von Marignano. Karton II

Rückzug von Marignano. Karton II, by Ferdinand Hodler, oil, 1895
Rückzug von Marignano. Karton II, by Ferdinand Hodler, oil, 1895

Rückzug von Marignano. Karton II is an oil painting by the Symbolist artist Ferdinand Hodler. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich. Rückzug von Marignano.

About this work

Overview

Rückzug von Marignano. Karton II is an oil painting created by Swiss artist Ferdinand Hodler around 1895. It is part of the Kunsthaus Zürich collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a semi-circular formation of armored men, some armed with swords and shields, amidst a chaotic battle scene with injured figures in the background. The central figure stands out within the group.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work showcases Hodler's adopted 'parallelism' style, characteristic of his later period within the Symbolist movement. Vibrant, color-coded armor (blue, yellow, red) and dynamic composition convey intense energy and tension.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1895, the painting is now held in the permanent collection of Kunsthaus Zürich, Switzerland.

Context

Part of Hodler's shift towards 'parallelism', this work reflects his unique contribution to late 19th-century Symbolism, diverging from more conventional historical or battle scene depictions.

Legacy

As a representative of Hodler's distinctive style and Symbolist affiliation, Rückzug von Marignano. Karton II contributes to the artist's notable influence on early 20th-century European art movements.

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.