Character study 1902

Ferdinand Hodler made this character study with pencil on paper. It presents a slender figure in profile, rendered with delicate yet assertive lines. Hodler's masterful use of contour emphasizes the figure's upright posture, creating a sense of classical grace. The sketch is minimal, with the flowing lines suggesting volume and movement, hinting at a deeper psychological presence. The subtle modelling, achieved through varied line weights, invites the eye to appreciate the nuances of form and light. Hodler was deeply involved in Symbolism and explored themes of psychological and spiritual depth. This sketch, while seemingly simple, embodies a quest for underlying structures that reflect inner states. The careful consideration of form transforms the study into a statement of the artist's philosophical inquiries. The drawing embodies a formal elegance through its structure, extending beyond mere representation to engage with ideas about identity and representation.