#37518 Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918)

The canvas presents a landscape dominated by a sweeping expanse of water under a turbulent sky. The composition is divided into three distinct horizontal bands: the sky, a middle ground featuring what appears to be a distant shoreline or landmass, and the body of water itself.
The sky occupies roughly half of the frame and is rendered in intense blues, layered with thick impasto strokes that convey movement and an almost palpable energy. Puffs of white clouds are scattered across this blue expanse, their forms simplified and stylized rather than realistically depicted. The artist’s application of paint here suggests a focus on emotional impact over precise representation.
The middle ground is less defined, appearing as a muted band of earth tones – purples, browns, and greens – that separate the sky from the water. This area lacks detail, serving primarily to establish spatial depth and provide a visual transition between the more vibrant elements above and below.
Below this lies the water, which reflects the colors of the sky in shimmering turquoise and gold hues. The surface is not smooth; instead, it’s characterized by short, broken brushstrokes that create an impression of rippling or movement. A dark band runs along the very bottom edge, acting as a visual anchor and intensifying the sense of depth.
The paintings color palette is striking – the juxtaposition of intense blues and golds creates a dynamic tension. The simplification of forms and the expressive use of brushwork suggest a subjective interpretation of nature rather than an objective recording of it. There’s a feeling of melancholy or introspection evoked by the subdued middle ground and the dramatic sky, hinting at a deeper emotional resonance beyond the purely visual. The absence of human presence further contributes to this sense of solitude and contemplation.