“The Turner Banquet,” created by Ferdinand Hodler in 1878, is an exemplary work of the Realism art movement. As a genre painting, this artwork captures a precise moment in social life and measures 228 by 355 cm in dimensions.
The artwork depicts an indoor scene where a group of young men, dressed in uniform attire, attentively listen to a standing figure at the left side of the composition. The setting is a banquet hall, adorned with various flags and banners, indicating a ceremonial or formal event. The figures are seated at long, white-clothed tables, and their postures and expressions suggest anticipation and engagement. The central figure holding a large red flag becomes a focal point, emphasizing the significance of the gathering. The background includes additional figures and a glimpse of the outdoors through an open doorway, adding depth and context to the scene. Overall, the meticulous details and lifelike portrayal reflect the Realism movement’s commitment to depicting everyday scenes with authenticity and precision.
