45 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Oeschinen Valley near Kandersteg, Bern, 1859, Pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Oeschinen Valley near Kandersteg, Bern, 1859, Pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804 Dijon - 1882 ibid.): Vallée d'Oeschinen near Kandersteg in the canton of Bern, 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). This pencil drawing shows a tranquil mountain landscape with a wide valley framed by high, rugged mountains. The composition leads the viewer's gaze from the close, detailed trees in the foreground to the gently suggested mountain ranges in the background, which blur into the misty distance. A small hut is placed in the centre of the picture, surrounded by trees, giving the landscape a human dimension. The line is fine and precise, with sparse details that emphasise the natural tranquillity of the scene. The drawing conveys an atmosphere of stillness and seclusion, enhanced by the delicate shading and soft contours of the mountains. Keywords: mountain landscape; valley; mountains; hut; trees; silence; nature; seclusion; peace; drawing; pencil; horizon; composition; line; shading; contour; perspective; landscape art; distance; harmony; 19th century; Romanticism; Landscape; 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. Several vertical creases visible. Isolated pale liquid stains with browned edges.