The Kander Valley in the Bernese Oberland 1926

Adolf Wölfli created this work, titled "The Kander Valley in the Bernese Oberland," with pencil and crayon. The Swiss cross is the dominant motif, appearing repeatedly throughout the composition. This ancient symbol—predating Christianity—carries various associations with concepts of orientation, intersection, and equilibrium. Here, the cross invokes Switzerland and its cultural identity. Yet, its proliferation suggests something more profound: an attempt to impose order on the artist’s inner chaos. The cross, encountered from early times to modernity, appears in various forms. We see it in prehistoric rock carvings, medieval heraldry, and modern corporate logos. Its endurance speaks to a deep-seated human need for symbols that provide structure. Consider the emotional weight of such symbols. They are not mere decorations but powerful forces engaging our subconscious. Wölfli’s compulsive use of the Swiss cross thus becomes a poignant expression of a mind grappling for control. Each recurrence of the cross marks not only a cultural marker but a personal struggle made visible.