Swiss painter Ferdinand Hodler (1853–1918) is one of Europe’s most influential artistic personalities, whose work bridged the styles of Realism, Symbolism, and the modern period. Despite initial praise, his extensive oeuvre has not always been an object of admiration; its diversity and originality, however, deserve international re-evaluation. Hodler’s symbolist vision of a large, harmonious union of man and nature is expressed both in unique and monumental figurative compositions, and in stylized landscapes of sheer mountain peaks and glinting lakes. Twenty-five years since the last retrospective, this fresh and extensive assessment of Hodler’s paintings invites the viewer to explore his work anew; on the one hand it represents a unique view of turn-of-the-century art and Symbolism, on the other it demonstrates a powerful and genuine interest in the depiction of man. (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-2062-5)  Exhibition schedule: Kunstmuseum Bern April 9–August 10, 2008  Szépmüvészeti Múzeum, Budapest, September 9–December 14, 2008  With support by Pro Helvetia, Swiss Arts Council