Artwork
On the Bank of the Maggia in the Evening
On the Bank of the Maggia in the Evening is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Ferdinand Hodler. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
Overview
The work is part of the Kunsthaus Zürich’s collection and exemplifies Hodler’s shift from early realism toward a more stylized, Symbolist‑inflected language.
Ferdinand Hodler’s 1897 oil painting *On the Bank of the Maggia in the Evening* presents a quiet riverside scene at dusk. The work is part of the Kunsthaus Zürich’s collection and exemplifies Hodler’s shift from early realism toward a more stylized, Symbolist‑inflected language. The composition captures the Maggia riverbank under a warm, fading light, inviting contemplation of the landscape’s stillness.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas portrays the Maggia river flanked by low hills and distant mountains, with sizable stones scattered along the water’s edge. The golden evening illumination bathes the terrain, creating a tranquil atmosphere that emphasizes the harmony between natural forms and the passing of day into night. The scene suggests a meditative pause within the Swiss countryside.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, Hodler employs smooth, controlled brushwork that softens edges while preserving the solidity of the rocks and terrain. The palette relies on warm ochres and muted blues, reinforcing the evening mood. Though linked to Impressionism through its handling of light, the painting also hints at Hodler’s later “parallelism” approach, arranging forms in rhythmic, almost symbolic alignment.
History & Provenance
Created in 1897, the painting entered the holdings of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing key figures of Swiss art, and the work has been cited in exhibitions exploring Hodler’s transition from realistic portraiture to a more abstracted, symbolic visual language.
Context
At the turn of the twentieth century, Hodler was among Switzerland’s most recognized artists, moving beyond conventional portraiture and genre scenes toward a personal synthesis of Symbolist ideas and Impressionist techniques. *On the Bank of the Maggia in the Evening* illustrates this period of experimentation, situating the work within broader European trends while retaining a distinct Swiss sensibility.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Ferdinand Hodler (March 14, 1853 – May 19, 1918) was a Swiss painter. He is one of the best-known Swiss painters of the nineteenth century. His early works were portraits, landscapes, and genre paintings in a realistic…
