FREE UK Shipping

The Dream of the Shepherd - Ferdinand Hodler

Sale price£25.20 Regular price£28.00
Product: Fine Art Poster
Size: A4 (21x29.7 cm)
Frame: -
  • Free UK shipping on all orders
  • Guaranteed High Quality Prints
  • Secure payments
  • Sustainable materials
  • Made in the UK

Ferdinand Hodler's 'The Dream of the Shepherd' is a Symbolist masterpiece depicting a shepherd's vision of dancing figures, blending realism with dreamlike imagery. A captivating and thought-provoking fine art print for any room.

Ferdinand Hodler's 'The Dream of the Shepherd' (1896) is a compelling example of Symbolist painting, blending elements of realism with dreamlike imagery. Hodler, a prominent Swiss artist, explored themes of mortality, nature, and human emotion throughout his career, often employing a distinctive style characterised by simplified forms and rhythmic compositions. In this work, a shepherd sits dejectedly amidst a rocky landscape, his face obscured by his hand, suggesting introspection or despair. Above him, a vision of dancing female figures unfolds, possibly representing his desires, fantasies, or a spiritual realm. The contrast between the grounded, melancholic figure and the ethereal, floating forms creates a powerful tension. The colour palette is muted yet evocative, with earthy tones dominating the lower portion of the canvas and softer, pastel shades defining the dreamlike upper register. This print offers a unique opportunity to bring a touch of Symbolist mystery and psychological depth to your living space. Its contemplative mood and striking composition make it a captivating addition to any room, inviting viewers to ponder the complexities of human experience. The artwork's blend of realism and fantasy ensures it will be a conversation starter, adding a sophisticated and thought-provoking element to your home decor.

You might also like

Explore more from our Ferdinand Hodler collection.

Crafted for a Lifetime

  • Premium materials

    Solid wood frames, UV-protected acrylic glaze, and archival backing for lasting durability.

  • Museum-grade prints

    12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified 200gsm fine art paper, with lifetime fade resistance.

  • Crafted in the UK

    Sustainably sourced materials, precision manufactured locally, reducing carbon footprint.

  • Ready to hang

    Each frame is sealed with rigid backing and fixings attached, no extra effort required.

Find the finish that fits your home

Select from our premium printing options to bring your artwork to life

Fine Art Poster

Iconic artworks with vivid colors using giclée fine art 12-color printing technology. Unmatched quality and durability using 200gsm smooth matte paper. Unframed; delivered flat or rolled.

Museum Quality Poster

Our Master's Edition 250gsm archival paper, in off-white and uncoated, offers museum-quality for art enthusiasts seeking a luxurious way to enjoy world-class artworks.

Fine Art Framed

The same 200gsm fine art paper and 12-colour giclée process as our museum posters, mounted in a solid wood frame with UV acrylic glaze and rigid backing. Ready to hang.

Standard Wood Frame

Classic 200gsm premium matte paper with 8-colour giclée printing, set in a durable wooden frame with lightweight acrylic glaze. Ready to hang.

Canvas

Gallery-wrapped slim canvas, hand-stretched for clean edges. Adds depth and texture for a painterly finish. Delivered ready to hang.

Framed Canvas

Our premium finish, a richly textured canvas set in an elegant floating wood frame. Combines depth, texture, and craftsmanship for a gallery-worthy presentation. Delivered ready to hang.

What our customers say

Real reviews from real customers

Received the beautiful hummingbird print in black frame. Great service, stunning print, I will post a picture when the room is finished. Thank you
Jayne - Yorkshire
Delighted with this print! The colours are extremely vibrant, the imagine crystal clear and beautifully displayed in an attractive frame. Delivery was prompt and securely packaged. Highly recommended and will be using again!
Matt - Rutland
So pleased with my print and the frame it’s housed in. Fantastic quality and really adds character to the room. Communication was great and it was delivered quicker than estimated. Overall I’m extremely pleased and will recommend to friends. I’m already eying up my next purchase!
Nikki - London
Beautiful print, great quality and love it with the white frame. Delivery was really fast. I've had loads of compliments from visitors as I've hung it in my hallway as the first thing you see when you enter the house. Couldn't be happier.
Alice - Norfolk
Ferdinand Hodler

Ferdinand Hodler

Ferdinand Hodler, a giant of Swiss art, wasn't just painting landscapes; he was painting the soul of Switzerland itself. Born in 1853, his early life was steeped in hardship, losing his parents to tuberculosis at a young age. This brush with mortality profoundly impacted his artistic vision. Hodler sought to express universal human experiences through his Symbolist and Art Nouveau canvases. He developed a unique style he termed 'Parallelism,' where figures are arranged in symmetrical patterns to evoke a sense of harmony and order, reflecting the sublime grandeur he found in the Swiss Alps. Though he flirted with Art Nouveau, Hodler's work transcends easy categorisation. His paintings, such as 'The Night' and 'The Disappointed Souls,' delve into themes of life, death, and regeneration with raw emotional honesty. He captured the monumental beauty of the Swiss landscape, not as a mere backdrop, but as an active participant in the human drama. Hodler’s landscapes hum with a spiritual energy, reflecting his belief in nature's power to both inspire and overwhelm. Hodler's legacy extends far beyond the canvas. His unwavering commitment to his artistic vision, even in the face of criticism, paved the way for future generations of Swiss artists. When he died in 1918, he left behind a body of work that continues to resonate with its profound exploration of the human condition and its celebration of the Swiss landscape. His image even graced the Swiss 50-franc banknote, a testament to his enduring cultural significance.