Landsknecht with halberd 1897

Ferdinand Hodler made this sketch of a Landsknecht with halberd, using pencil, around the turn of the century. The Landsknecht, a German mercenary soldier of the late 15th and 16th centuries, strides forward, embodying a potent symbol of Swiss military prowess and independence. Hodler’s choice of subject resonates deeply with the burgeoning sense of national identity in Switzerland during the late 19th century. As Switzerland sought to solidify its position on the European stage, it looked back to this history of military strength. The Landsknecht became a romantic symbol of the nation’s resolve. Hodler’s decision to depict this figure reflects a broader trend in European art towards historical subjects that could inspire contemporary viewers with ideals of courage and patriotism. To understand this artwork, we might explore archives, military histories, and the cultural politics of early 20th-century Switzerland. By understanding its social and institutional context, we can appreciate how Hodler mobilized the past to invigorate Swiss national identity.