Ferdinand Hodler (1853–1918) was a prominent Swiss painter known for his unique blend of Symbolism and Art Nouveau styles. Born in Bern, he faced a challenging childhood marked by poverty and family tragedies. Hodler's early work was influenced by Realism and depicted everyday life and Swiss landscapes. However, his style evolved, and he became a leading figure in the Symbolist movement, focusing on themes of love, death, and nature, often infused with a sense of mysticism.

Hodler's work is characterized by rhythmic patterns, a unique use of color, and a symbolic approach to human figures and landscapes. He developed a "parallelism" technique, repeating figures and motifs to create a sense of rhythm and unity. His later works, particularly those dealing with death and existential themes, are considered his most profound, reflecting his personal experiences and philosophical insights.

Notable works include "The Night," which depicts a man tormented by deathly figures, and his series of landscapes and portraits that show his mastery of form and color. Hodler's influence extended beyond his lifetime, impacting modernist and expressionist artists and contributing significantly to the development of 20th-century art.