Warrior figures from the rear and front 1897

Ferdinand Hodler made this drawing of warrior figures with pencil. We see Hodler exploring the figure in different poses, reminiscent of academic figure studies. Hodler was Swiss, and one particularly important cultural influence apparent here is his interest in Swiss history and national identity. Switzerland, at the turn of the century, was a country seeking to define itself in the face of larger European powers. Hodler's focus on historical and patriotic themes was thus both a personal interest and a reflection of broader social and political concerns. To truly understand the meaning of this drawing, we can consult history books, period documents, and the artist's personal writings to enrich our understanding of the cultural and political context of its creation. Art is always contingent on its social and institutional setting.