36 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), The town of Visp after the earthquake, Switzerland, 1855, Pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), The town of Visp after the earthquake, Switzerland, 1855, Pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804 Dijon - 1882 ibid.): Town view of Visp (Viège, Fischp) in the canton of Valais after an earthquake, "Viege (Valais) apres le tumblement de terre", Journey to 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 picture shows a detailed pencil drawing of a picturesque town view, presumably from a historical period. In the centre is a striking church tower with a pointed roof, flanked by other buildings with different roof shapes. The architecture is characterised by clear, vertical and horizontal lines that create a harmonious composition. Wooden structures can be seen in the foreground, possibly bridges or scaffolding, which emphasise the rural character of the surroundings. The perspective design lends the picture depth, while the fine shading subtly suggests the lighting conditions. It is a calm, almost meditative depiction of an urban landscape that combines both architectural and landscape elements. Keywords: City view; Church tower; Architecture; Pencil drawing; Historical buildings; Landscape; Perspective; Depth of space; Harmony; Rural surroundings; Wood structures; Composition; Vertical lines; Horizontal lines; Shading; Light conditions; Quiet; Meditative; Traditional; Drawing.; 19th century; Romanticism; Cities; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 30,2 cm x 23,8 cm (11,9 x 9,4 in) Condition: Good condition. Sheet corners clearly wavy due to mounting on the reverse. Browning along the edges. Pale discolouration in places in the image.