Battle scenes 1896

Ferdinand Hodler made this pen and ink drawing called 'Battle scenes', but the date of its creation remains unknown. Hodler lived through a period of intense social and political upheaval in Europe, and was profoundly interested in themes of national identity and collective experience. Here, in the form of a rapid sketch, Hodler grapples with the visual representation of conflict. He likely drew upon historical and mythological sources, presenting figures in dynamic poses, capturing the chaos and violence inherent in battle. The bodies in conflict are rendered with a raw, almost primal energy. Consider the ways in which Hodler has chosen to depict these figures. Are they heroic or brutal? What does it mean to portray the human body in such a state of turmoil? Hodler’s work often explored the tension between individual and collective identity, and his drawing offers a glimpse into the complex ways that violence and conflict shape human experience. It prompts us to reflect on the emotional and psychological toll of conflict, both for individuals and for society as a whole.