Artwork

The Woodcutter

The Woodcutter, by Ferdinand Hodler, ink, 1910
The Woodcutter, by Ferdinand Hodler, ink, 1910

The Woodcutter is an ink print by Ferdinand Hodler. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the Rosenwald Collection.

About this work

Overview

The Woodcutter is a print created by Ferdinand Hodler around 1910 using transfer lithography on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph depicts a man chopping wood, captured in a dynamic pose that conveys energy and movement. The figure's contorted body and angled axe suggest a moment of tension before the axe strikes.

Technique & Style

Hodler employed transfer lithography to create the work, characteristic of his later Symbolist style, which emphasized rhythmic compositions. The solid beige background highlights the figure, underscoring the dynamic movement of the woodcutter.

Context

Hodler's artistic style evolved from realistic depictions to a more symbolic approach, known as 'parallelism.' The Woodcutter reflects this later phase, showcasing the artist's focus on expressive and dynamic representations of the human form.

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: Rosenwald Collection open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.