Hodler And Giacometti: Representing The Soul Of Switzerland

At the turn of the century, rapid industrialisation, relative wealth, and its neutral stance in the First World War made Switzerland an attractive refuge for artists. Meanwhile, the country’s proximity to grand European capitals meant that many Swiss artists journeyed abroad to work amongst the frenzy of artistic activity to be experienced elsewhere. This cross-border dialogue of cultural figures was instrumental in the forming of Switzerland’s artistic identity, and inspired the work of Swiss masters such as Ferdinand Hodler and Alberto Giacometti.

As a trilingual nation bordering Germany, France and Italy, the artistic output of Switzerland has historically reflected the trends and movements of its neighbours, but maintains its own cultural voice. During the later part of the 19th century, rapid development made it the second-most industrialised and economically stable country in Europe, establishing it an appealing centre for artistic fermentation. Not only did Switzerland find inspiration from its multicultural neighbours, but the country’s neutrality encouraged an influx of artists and intellectuals during the period of the First World War, giving birth to movements such as Dada in 1916.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Just as Switzerland’s community of exiled artists artists grew during the early part of the 20th century, many Swiss artists preferred to work abroad, feeling a particular isolation in their own country. The resulting cross-border exchange between Swiss and other European artists inside and outside of Switzerland proved paramount to the development country’s artistic identity.
Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918) and Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966) are two such influential figures who have helped to characterise Swiss art in this way. Hodler is perhaps the most important painter of the late 19th/early 20th century. As one of the few recognised Swiss artists to reside in his country of origin, his reputation was not as far reaching as that of artists from larger European capitals. He did however establish a strong reputation for himself in early 20th century Europe and exhibited internationally in places such as Paris and Berlin. He would also become associated with the Vienna Secession founded by, among others, Gustav Klimt, and this would prove his most significant relationship.

Not only does Hodler’s style demonstrate the transition from 19th-century realism to a modernist pictorial language, but the symbolism of the Viennese artists permeates his work. In one of his most famous paintings titled View to Infinity, five dark-haired female figures dominate the composition. Each wears a long indigo dress, which clings to her ideally formed body as in the Nike of Samothrace. These kinds of figures see similarities in Klimt’s ornate, monumental friezes of the same period.
Hodler’s large-scale figure paintings have a very public presence in Switzerland, adorning the hallways of the country’s major buildings. Beyond these, the artist was known for his history paintings and his depictions of the Swiss landscape. His landscape scenes are potent representations of the country’s mountainous countryside, though re-envisioned through Hodler’s prismatic lens. Alpine panoramas are not shown through traditional atmospheric perspective, but with mountain peaks articulated with sharp crags in deep blue, and areas of light shown in warm, golden hues. In this way, he expresses the essence of the landscape, communicating to the viewer the heart of the Swiss terrain.

Alberto Giacometti was likewise preoccupied with rendering the essence of his subjects, but to a greater degree than Hodler. A sculptor, painter, draughtsman and printmaker, Giacometti, who spent his career in Paris, is most noted for his elongated, anthropomorphic sculptures. His works resist a sense of permanence; they do not have strong lines that define their perimeters, but rather bear the evidence of shifting form. This is because Giacometti did not concern himself with representing form as it is commonly understood, but with demonstrating his sense, or perception of form. In this way his works abstain from representation because they aim to capture one’s experience of a physical being, and not an actual concrete embodiment. Yet he felt a constant failure to recreate exactly what he existed in his mind, stating that he could only ever relay a pale image of what he saw.
Although he refrains from simple categorisation, Giacometti has been associated with the Surrealist movement – from which he was eventually expelled – and reflects the existentialist sentiment that modern life is an empty existence. Giacometti went through a restless period of intense experimentation but maintained a lifelong fascination with the human head. It can be argued that it is within these depictions that one can see most clearly what he felt to be the soul of the modern age.

One such painting, Head of Diego (1961), done of his brother Diego Giacometti, a frequent model for the artist, shows the inward looking, hollow stare that pervades his many portraits. The intensity of the head is heightened by the darkness of the background. As one of his later works, the artist had, by this time, reached a new level of depth in his depictions, and this is evidenced in the bleak, lonely gaze of the figure.
Although Hodler and Giacometti represent two different generations of artistic innovation as well as highly individual perspectives, each has come to be seen as a voice of this often overlooked country. Switzerland decided to honour these artist by featuring either artist’s work on their currency at one time or another. This is not only a testament to the level of esteem the country has for these figures, but also a statement about the high regard that Switzerland has for its culture.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.