Ferdinand Hodler, "La Mère Royaume", 1886-1887, huile sur toile, 250.5 x 141.5 cm, Musée d'art et d'histoire de Genève, Genève, dépôt de la Fondation Gottfried Keller, 1934.
A 45-minute lecture by Jean-Quentin Haefliger, co-director of the International Museum of the Reformation and member of the Compagnie de 1602.
In Geneva, the Escalade is much more than a historical event: for some, it is almost a religion, with its patron figures, rituals, costumes, songs, and celebrations. In the 19th century, this collective memory also inspired Ferdinand Hodler.
In 1886, the young painter from Bern created the décor for the Taverne du Crocodile, formerly located at 100 Rue du Rhône. There he painted several scenes from the Escalade: soldiers in procession, spectators, fleeing women, colorful characters, and, above all, the famous Mère Royaume perched on her donkey. Within this tavern setting, Hodler transforms Geneva’s collective memory into a veritable gallery of characters and symbols.
This lecture brings together two exhibitions on view in Geneva this fall: one, dedicated to L’Escalade and the centennial of the Compagnie de 1602, held at the Maison Tavel; the other, *Ferdinand Hodler: Profession of Faith*, presented at the International Museum of the Reformation. An encounter between painting, spirituality, and commemoration.
