Swiss painter Ferdinand Hodler (18531918) is one of Europes most influential artistic personalities, whose work bridged the styles of Realism, Symbolism, and the modern period. Despite initial praise, his extensive oeuvre has not always been an object of admiration; its diversity and originality, however, deserve international re-evaluation. Hodlers symbolist vision of a large, harmonious union of man and nature is expressed both in unique and monumental figurative compositions, and in stylized landscapes of sheer mountain peaks and glinting lakes. Twenty-five years since the last retrospective, this fresh and extensive assessment of Hodlers paintings invites the viewer to explore his work anew; on the one hand it represents a unique view of turn-of-the-century art and Symbolism, on the other it demonstrates a powerful and genuine interest in the depiction of man. (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-2062-5) Exhibition schedule: Kunstmuseum Bern April 9August 10, 2008 Szépmüvészeti Múzeum, Budapest, September 9December 14, 2008 With support by Pro Helvetia, Swiss Arts Council
