img028 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The painting presents a figure engaged in agricultural labor within a landscape dominated by fields and a distant horizon. Here we see a man, presumably a farmer or field worker, bent over and wielding a long-handled tool – likely a scythe or sickle – as he cuts through vegetation. His posture conveys exertion and focused effort; the angle of his body suggests a repetitive, physically demanding task. The artist has rendered him with simplified forms and broad strokes, emphasizing the physicality of labor rather than individualizing his features.
The background is characterized by a sweeping expanse of green fields punctuated by a band of yellow flowers along the lower edge. These flowers introduce a visual contrast to the dominant greens and browns, adding a touch of vibrancy to the scene. The horizon line is relatively low, allowing for an expansive view that underscores the scale of the agricultural landscape. A muted sky occupies the upper portion of the composition, contributing to a sense of vastness and perhaps hinting at the cyclical nature of seasons and labor.
The color palette is earthy and restrained, with greens, browns, yellows, and touches of blue in the man’s work clothes. The application of paint appears thick and textured, adding depth and physicality to the scene. This technique contributes to a sense of immediacy and raw energy.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of toil, sustenance, and connection to the land. The solitary figure suggests both independence and isolation inherent in agricultural life. The repetitive action of cutting implies a continuous cycle of work necessary for survival. While seemingly straightforward in its depiction of labor, the composition also invites reflection on the relationship between humanity and nature, and the enduring significance of manual effort within a rural context. The deliberate simplification of form and color contributes to a universal quality, transcending specific time or place.