#37575 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The artwork presents a portrait of a man in repose, depicted from a side profile view. He rests his head upon what appears to be a pillow, suggesting sleep or perhaps a state of quiet contemplation. The subject is characterized by a prominent mustache and receding hairline, features rendered with broad, expressive brushstrokes that emphasize form over meticulous detail. His attire consists of a dark suit jacket and a crisp white shirt collar, indicating a degree of formality or social standing.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and muted greens – which contribute to the overall feeling of somberness and introspection. The background is divided into two distinct zones: an upper section featuring a repetitive pattern of small, purple circles against a tan ground, and a lower portion displaying a stylized floral design on what seems to be the pillowcase. This juxtaposition creates visual tension, contrasting the man’s stillness with the lively patterns behind him.
The artists technique is notable for its deliberate simplification of form and use of visible brushwork. The face lacks subtle shading or nuanced expression; instead, it is presented as a series of planes and volumes defined by color and line. This approach lends the portrait an air of immediacy and psychological depth.
Subtly, theres a sense of melancholy conveyed through the subject’s posture and the subdued palette. The man seems withdrawn, perhaps burdened by thought or experiencing a moment of quiet sadness. The patterned background could be interpreted as symbolic – the repetitive circles suggesting cyclical patterns in life, while the floral design hints at fleeting beauty or lost innocence. The date Mars 1907 inscribed in the lower right corner provides temporal context and anchors the work within a specific historical period. Overall, the painting conveys a mood of quiet introspection and understated emotional complexity.