Thun, Stockhornkette 1904

Ferdinand Hodler created this painting of Thun and the Stockhornkette mountain range with oil on canvas. At first glance, the painting strikes you with its tranquil blues, and the meticulous arrangement of water, land, and sky. This composition evokes a sense of calm, inviting the viewer into its serene world. Hodler’s structural technique, known as Parallelism, is evident in how he organizes the elements of the composition, creating a rhythmic echo between the mountains and their reflections in the water. This is not just a visual trick, but a philosophical statement. Hodler believed that nature’s harmonies could reveal universal truths. The repetitive shapes and colors create a mirror effect that suggests a world in balance. Notice how the horizontal layers of the painting create distinct bands of color. This is the surface of the water which is subtly disrupted by small, patterned brushstrokes. These function as a sign, representing the interplay between the visible and the unseen. It challenges our perception, urging us to look beyond the surface and contemplate the deeper structures of the world around us.