Departure for the Wars of Liberation
1908
Ferdinand Hodler’s 1908 sketch captures the rhythmic, almost choreographed energy of soldiers heading off to the Napoleonic Wars, long before the chaos of the battlefield. Instead of a frantic scramble, we see his famous theory of 'Parallelism' in action—rows of horses and men moving in sync, creating a visual heartbeat across the page. In the foreground, an accordion player provides a bittersweet soundtrack as soldiers adjust their tall shako hats and gear, turning a grim departure into a solemn, unified procession. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how this Swiss master found harmony and order even when depicting the upheaval of war.
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