24 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Bridge near Wassen on the Gotthard Pass, 1835, Pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Bridge near Wassen on the Gotthard Pass, 1835, Pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804 Dijon - 1882 ibid.): Bridge in the Reuss Valley near Wassen on the Gotthard Pass, Journey to Switzerland, Sketchbook, 1835, Pencil Technique: Pencil on Paper Inscription: inscribed and dated in pencil lower right Date: 1835 Description: Impressive sketch of the Gotthard Pass below Wassen in the Reuss Valley. from a scrapbook of the artist's travel sketches. "Esquisses faites par le Baron Edmond de Bretenières feudant les voyages en Suisse" (Sketches made by Baron Edmond de Bretenieres during his travels in Switzerland). | Watermark: Coat of arms and "RIVES" The pencil drawing shows an alpine landscape with a striking bridge in the foreground. The course of the river below is framed by a few rocks and vegetation. A small wooden building stands on the riverbank, while a church with onion domes is enthroned on a hill in the background, surrounded by tall conifers. The composition draws the eye from the lower left corner, along the river, up to the church. The lines are fine and detailed, especially in the architectural elements and the natural surroundings. The mountains in the background lend the scene an impressive spatial depth. The light falls softly on the scenery, emphasising the harmonious tranquillity of the landscape. Keywords: Switzerland; Architecture; Alps; Bridge; River; Church; Onion domes; Coniferous trees; Landscape; Architecture; Drawing; Mountains; Nature; Structure; Timber buildings; Spatial depth; Composition; Light; Vegetation; Rocks; Harmony; Detail; 19th century; Romanticism; Landscape; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 44,3 cm x 28,8 cm (17,4 x 11,3 in) Condition: Good condition. Traces of old mounting in the corners of the sheet on the reverse. Pale stains at top centre. Yellowish discolouration along the lower edge of the sheet.