The pastor 1879

"The Pastor" (1879) is a portrait by Swiss artist Ferdinand Hodler. The painting depicts a man, likely a pastor, in profile, holding a book. Hodler's signature style, often described as Symbolism or Art Nouveau, is evident in the simplified forms, muted colors, and the sense of solemnity. The figure is rendered with an almost sculptural quality, capturing the quiet dignity of the subject. This work, currently in a private collection, is a prime example of Hodler's early period, where he focused on capturing the essence of the human figure.