(Bern 1853–1918 Geneva)

Der Holzfäller.

Pencil on paper.

Signed lower right: F. Hodler.

39 x 29 cm.

Provenance:
- In the same Swiss family collection for over 70 years .
- Thence by descent to the current owner.

Exhibited:
Aarau, Ferdinand Hodler, Aargauer Kunsthaus, Cat. No. 173 (label verso).

In 1908, the Swiss National Bank commissioned Ferdinand Hodler to design the 50 and 100 Swiss franc notes. Motifs of farm work were desired, which Hodler eventually translated into a lumberjack and reaper. The 50 franc note was especially well-received, popularly known as the "lumberjack". Through its low horizon and the lumberjack's dynamic backswing, Hodler's composition achieves a captivating sense of energy, symbolic of the labour of the worker and his strength. The note was in circulation during the period from 1910 to 1955, and was declared invalid in 1978.