Ferdinand Hodler: Drawings—Selections from the Musée Jenisch Vevey

A fascinating survey of Ferdinand Hodler’s work as a draftsman, and the vital role of drawing in the artist’s refinement of ideas and his obsessive search for forms.

A modern art pioneer, renowned Swiss painter Ferdinand Hodler (1853–1918) created works that range from vast Symbolist compositions to intimate, realist portraits and nearly abstract landscape paintings. Published on the occasion of an exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum, this catalogue takes a rare look at the role of drawing in the artist’s practice. The book features works on paper drawn primarily from the Musée Jenisch Vevey, Geneva, and explores the artist’s ambitious technical experimentation, work in series, and compelling blend of naturalism and emotional intensity.

This lavishly illustrated volume surveys preparatory drawings that relate to Hodler’s complete oeuvre, including the large-scale history paintings and Symbolist compositions for which he is best known, and his striking landscapes and portraits—most notably a poignant series in which he recorded the illness and death of his lover Valentine Godé-Darel. Compelling works in their own right, these drawings evince an intense liveliness and freedom of experimentation. Essays explore Hodler’s obsessive drawing practice, including his use of tracing, cutouts, and collage; as well as the story of Rudolf Schindler, a major collector of the artist’s work on paper; and recent discoveries in conservation related to Hodler’s creation of the major painting Day.

Published by the Morgan Library & Museum

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