Ferdinand Hodler

Following an exhibition organized by the Max Moos Gallery in 1918, this portrait by Ferdinand Hodler was known as Tête de femme rousse. More than sixty years later, Jura Brüschweiler however associated the sitter with the cabaret dancer Mrs. Loup thanks to a drawing Hodler executed in 1912. During this period, Hodler was indeed fascinated by dance and this focus was not only expressed in his sketches and paintings, but also in his interest in the theory of movement and his visits to cabarets. Mrs. Loup danced both at the cabaret « Chez Maxime » and at the « Bar Chatham » in Geneva, under the name « French Dancer ». It's known that bringing the dancer into Hodler's studio created tensions with his friend Albert Trachsel, who had been rejected by the lady.

This exquisite portrait is characteristic of Hodler's mature period. The facial features are depicted with an intense stroke, allowing them to be highlighted against an ochre background. Although divided by a vertical symmetrical line that endows the painting with a genuine harmony, both the red hair artistically draped, and the model's posture evoke movement. The symphony of colours applied with dynamic and thick lines also participate in giving the painting a sense of immediacy and a vibrant energy. The contrast between the model's liveliness and the stillness of the background makes this work a particularly balanced composition. Due to its elegance and quality, Mme Loup is certainly among Ferdinand Hodler's most refined portraits.