Grand Muveran 1912

Hodler made this painting of Grand Muveran at an unknown date with oil on canvas. You can almost feel him there in front of the mountain, struggling with the elements. He must have been freezing! The blues are layered, almost folding back on one another. Look at the way they become hazier, like mist rolling over the peaks, it’s so atmospheric. I love how the ridge lines of the mountains echo one another, creating a rhythm. The paint is applied in these directional strokes that follow the form. It’s so descriptive but also kind of gestural. Hodler’s work reminds me of Cezanne, both were interested in how painting can capture our perception of space and form. Painting is like a conversation across time. We all contribute in our own way. It’s not about finding one correct answer but keeping the questions alive.