43 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Church in Tiefencastel, Graubünden, 1859, Pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Church in Tiefencastel, Graubünden, 1859, Pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804 Dijon - 1882 ibid.): Bridge and church of St Stefan in Tiefencastel (Casti) in Oberhalbstein (Surses) in the canton of Graubünden, journey to 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 artwork shows a detailed pencil sketch of an idyllic landscape, dominated by an elevated church with a striking steeple. The church is enthroned on a hill, surrounded by other buildings that blend harmoniously into the surroundings. A stone arched bridge can be seen in the foreground, leading over a gently flowing river. The composition is balanced, with fine lines that precisely capture the topography and architecture. The depth of space is emphasised by the depiction of the hills in the background, while the lighting conditions are indicated by the shading. The sketch conveys a calm, pastoral atmosphere, free of living creatures or dramatic elements. Keywords: Landscape; Church; Bridge; River; Hill; Architecture; Pencil sketch; Topography; Pastoral scene; Quietness; Harmony; Linework; Depth of space; Shading; Idyll; Peacefulness; Sublimity; Nature; Buildings; Drawing; 19th century; Romanticism; Architecture; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 31,1 cm x 23,8 cm (12,2 x 9,4 in) Condition: Good condition. The paper is slightly discoloured due to age. Sheet corners clearly wavy due to mounting on the reverse. Faint crease along the upper edge of the sheet. Pale liquid stains in places in the image.