34 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Old tree near Aigle at Grande Eau, 1855, Pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Old tree near Aigle at Grande Eau, 1855, Pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804 Dijon - 1882 ibid.): Old tree on the Chemin de la Grande Eau near Aigle in the canton of Vaud, travelling in Switzerland, sketchbook, 1855, Pencil Technique: Pencil on Paper, mounted on Paper Date: 1855 Description: From a scrapbook with travel sketches by the artist. "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). The drawing shows a majestic tree with sweeping branches extending into a wooded area. The sketch is rendered in fine pencil lines that show the structure and texture of the tree in detail. The branches are curved and appear dynamic, while the trunk appears stable and rooted. Hints of bushes and other trees can be seen in the background, creating a certain depth of space. The composition emphasises the natural form of the tree, without human figures or other stylistic distractions. The play of light is subtle, suggested only by the density of the lines. There is no narrative structure; the focus is on the pure depiction of nature. Keywords: tree; forest; nature; pencil drawing; branches; structure; texture; depth of space; play of light; landscape; sketch; vegetation; calmness; naturalness; composition; lines; detail; organic; nature study; drawing; 19th century; Romanticism; Nature; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 23,7 cm x 30,5 cm (9,3 x 12 in) Condition: Good condition. The paper is slightly creased in places. Sheet corners clearly wavy due to mounting on the reverse. Minimal traces of liquid and waviness in places on all sides. Faint discolouration in places along the edges.