Artwork

Rückzug von Marignano. Karton III

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

Rückzug von Marignano. Karton III 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 III is an oil painting created by Swiss artist Ferdinand Hodler around 1895. It is characterized by Hodler's distinctive 'parallelism' style, emphasizing rhythmic composition and symbolic themes, aligning with the Symbolist movement.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a semi-circular gathering of men in varied, colorful attire, including helmets, armor, and long weapons. The scene conveys a sense of tension and anticipation, suggesting a pre-battle moment. The composition and symbolism reflect Hodler's 'parallelism' approach.

Technique & Style

Hodler employed oil paint to achieve a vibrant, detailed depiction. The 'parallelism' style is evident in the rhythmic arrangement of figures and the emphasis on symbolic, rather than purely representational, elements. The color palette is predominantly bright, with red, yellow, blue, and white dominating the foreground.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1895, Rückzug von Marignano. Karton III is part of the collection at Kunsthaus Zürich.

Context

This work reflects Hodler's later period, where he fully embraced Symbolist ideals and his unique 'parallelism' technique, distinguishing his contribution to late 19th-century European art.

Legacy

As a piece showcasing Hodler's mature style, Rückzug von Marignano. Karton III contributes to the understanding and appreciation of Symbolism and the artist's influence on early 20th-century 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.