Ferdinand Hodler (1853-1918), the grandmaster of symbolism, the scandal-ridden Karl Stauffer-Bern (1857-1891), and the leading figure of Art Brut, Adolf Wölfli (1864-1930): For the first time, these three seemingly different artists are related to one another. The publicist Konrad Tobler explores the biographical intersections, outlining the lives and works of the three contemporaries between 1850 and 1930, thereby developing a fascinating parallel narrative about poverty and death, artistic quest and fulfillment in the total work of art. Additionally, this book serves as a monument to the city of Bern.