On the banks of the Manzanares 1878

Ferdinand Hodler made this oil painting, *On the banks of the Manzanares*, in Madrid using traditional materials and techniques. Hodler applied thin layers of paint with delicate brushwork to create a luminous effect. Hodler was interested in conveying emotion through the way he applied paint. Notice the subtle shifts in color and tone that suggest the changing light and atmosphere of the landscape. The soft colors and muted tones evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation. Hodler captured the inherent qualities of the materials by working with the smooth texture and fluid consistency of the paint. The oil paint allowed Hodler to achieve a high level of detail and realism in his depiction of the natural world. Ultimately, Hodler elevates the craft of painting to a fine art. His attention to the materials and techniques is as important as the subject matter.