The artwork, “Maggia Delta before sunrise” by Ferdinand Hodler, created in 1893, is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 40 by 64 centimeters. It belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement and captures a landscape genre. Currently, this piece is housed in the Kunsthaus Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
In the artwork, Ferdinand Hodler depicts a serene and tranquil scene of the Maggia Delta at dawn. The palette is dominated by soft, warm hues, suggesting the first light of day gently illuminating the landscape. The still waters of the delta, punctuated with scattered rocks, reflect the golden-yellow glow of the sunrise sky. In the backdrop, the dark silhouettes of distant hills and mountains create a contrast with the brightening horizon, emphasizing the gradual awakening of the natural world. The meticulous brushwork and subtle color transitions highlight the peaceful and contemplative atmosphere of the early morning scene, characteristic of Hodler’s refined technique and the aesthetics of the Post-Impressionist movement.
