#37569 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The canvas presents a broad vista dominated by a body of water extending towards a distant horizon. The composition is structured around horizontal bands: the sky occupies the upper third, the expanse of water fills the central portion, and a strip of land with vegetation and buildings forms the lower edge.
Here we see an emphasis on color and texture over precise detail. The artist employed broad brushstrokes to render the scene, creating a palpable sense of movement in both the water and the sky. The water’s surface is depicted with varying shades of green, suggesting depth and reflecting light from above. The sky transitions from pale yellows near the horizon to deeper blues higher up, hinting at atmospheric perspective and perhaps the time of day – likely late afternoon or early evening given the subdued lighting.
The landmass in the foreground appears somewhat abstracted; individual trees are suggested rather than meticulously rendered. Small structures – likely dwellings – are nestled amongst the vegetation, their presence indicating human habitation but not dominating the landscape. The artist placed a few red roofs among the green foliage, providing a subtle visual contrast and drawing the eye across the scene.
The overall impression is one of tranquility and vastness. There’s an intentional flattening of perspective; the distance feels compressed, contributing to a sense of stillness rather than depth. This approach minimizes any feeling of spatial recession, instead emphasizing the breadth of the view. The subdued palette and simplified forms evoke a mood of quiet contemplation, suggesting a connection between humanity and nature. It is possible that the artist intended to convey not just a visual representation of a place but also an emotional response to it – a sense of peace or solitude found in observing a natural panorama.