The artwork, entitled “Five Swearing,” was created by Ferdinand Hodler around the year 1912. Executed in oil and belonging to the Symbolism movement, this piece measures 34 x 48 cm. It is categorized as a sketch and study.
The artwork features five figures sketched in a style that emphasizes expressive, gestural lines. The figures appear to be in dynamic poses with their arms raised, capturing a moment of collective action or declaration. The sketchy and somewhat abstract representation relies on minimal lines to convey the movement and form of the subjects, characteristic of preparatory studies that explore composition and gesture. The overall aesthetic aligns with Hodler’s symbolist approach, using expressive forms to evoke a deeper symbolic meaning.
