41 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Surava in the Oberhalbstein, Graubünden, 1859, Pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Surava in the Oberhalbstein, Graubünden, 1859, Pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804 Dijon - 1882 ibid.): Surava in Oberhalbstein (Surses) between Tiefencastel (Casti) and Lenz (Lantsch) in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland, Travelling in Switzerland, Sketchbook, 1859, Pencil Technique: Pencil on Paper, mounted on Paper Date: 1859 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 rural scene with a small village in the foreground, embedded in a mountainous landscape. The composition is horizontal, with a high peak dominating the background. The village consists of several buildings, including a church with a tall, pointed tower placed in the centre. The mountain ranges in the background are lightly sketched, with the lines hinting at the natural topography of the region. The lighting conditions appear even, without strong contrasts, which indicates a drawing in daylight. The depiction is rich in detail, but without excessive elaboration, focussing on the natural forms and the calm atmosphere of the surroundings. Keywords: Village; Mountains; Church; Landscape; Sketch; Nature; Architecture; Topography; Quietness; Drawing; Summit; Horizon; Buildings; Mountain range; Rural; Composition; Line; Detail; Daylight; Atmosphere; 19th century; Romanticism; Cities; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 23,7 cm x 30,8 cm (9,3 x 12,1 in) Condition: Good condition. Sheet corners clearly wavy due to mounting on the reverse. Vertical trace of liquid in the centre with individual brownish spots below. Faint browning along the right edge of the sheet.