30 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Château Saint-Maurice with the Rhône Bridge, 1855, pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Château Saint-Maurice with the Rhône Bridge, 1855, pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804 Dijon – 1882 ibid.): Château Saint-Maurice with the Rhône Bridge in the Canton of Valais, Journey to Switzerland, Sketchbook, 1855, Pencil Technique: Pencil on paper, mounted on paper Date: 1855 Description: From a scrapbook containing the artist’s travel sketches. “Esquisses faites par le Baron Edmond de Bretenières feudant les voyages en Suisse” (Sketches made by Baron Edmond de Bretenières during his travels in Switzerland). The drawing depicts an architectural landscape featuring a striking building perched on a hill. On the left side of the picture, a stone bridge with a large arch spans a river. The building features a tower with a pointed roof. Surrounded by trees and bushes, the scene blends harmoniously into the hilly landscape. The drawing is characterized by fine pencil strokes that suggest gentle shading and contours. The composition is balanced, with a slight emphasis on the architectural element. The scene appears idyllic and tranquil, with simple and restrained lines. Keywords: Landscape; Architecture; Bridge; River; Tower; Hill; Pencil drawing; Nature; Idyll; Harmony; Historic buildings; Sketch; Contours; Shading; Tranquility; Perspective; Composition; Detail; Symmetry; 19th century; Romanticism; Architecture; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 23.8 cm x 30.6 cm (9.4 x 12 in) Condition: Good condition. The paper is slightly creased in places. The corners of the sheet are clearly wavy due to mounting on the reverse. Minimal traces of liquid in the center and waviness in places.