44 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Gorge near Splügen, Graubünden, 1859, Pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Gorge near Splügen, Graubünden, 1859, Pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804 Dijon - 1882 ibid.): Bridge over a gorge near Splügen in the Viamala region in the canton of Graubünden, 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). This pencil drawing shows a dense forest landscape, characterised by towering conifers that extend across the entire picture. The composition is orientated vertically, which emphasises the majestic height of the trees. Gently curving lines flow in the foreground and background, possibly suggesting a path or river. The sketch captures the natural lushness and tranquillity of the forest, with light and shadow indicated by precise strokes. Despite the absence of human figures, the drawing conveys a sense of depth and space. The artist has focussed on rendering the different textures of the treetops, which gives the depiction a vivid quality. Keywords: Forest; Landscape; Pencil drawing; Coniferous trees; Nature; Vertical composition; Strokes; Depth; Space; Texture; Quietness; River; Path; Lushness; Shadow; Light; Sketch; Majestic; Tree crowns; Nature depiction; 19th century; Romanticism; Landscape; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 31,0 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. Slightly creased lower left.