31 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Trail on the Great St. Bernard Pass, Switzerland, 1855, Pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Trail on the Great St. Bernard Pass, Switzerland, 1855, Pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804, Dijon – 1882, ibid.): Path at the Great St. Bernard Pass 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 travel sketches by the artist. "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 pencil drawing depicts an alpine landscape with a winding valley surrounded by high, steeply rising mountains. The lines are light and sketchy, giving the picture a fleeting, impressionistic quality. In the foreground, there is a hint of vegetation and a path that leads into the depths of the picture and draws the viewer’s gaze into the distance. The mountains are depicted with delicate contours, creating an atmospheric sense of depth. The lighting is subtle, without strong contrasts, which emphasizes the peaceful mood of the scene. The composition conveys a sense of grandeur and tranquility, typical of Romantic depictions of Alpine landscapes. Keywords: Alps; mountains; valley; landscape; pencil drawing; sketch; nature; Romanticism; path; vegetation; depth of space; contours; sublimity; calmness; impressionism; lighting conditions; peaceful; atmospheric; ephemeral; composition; 19th century; Romanticism; Landscape; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 26.2 cm x 21.6 cm (10.3 x 8.5 in) Condition: Very good condition. The paper is slightly creased in places. The corners of the sheet are noticeably wavy due to mounting on the reverse. Pale liquid stains along the lower edge of the sheet. Tears in the lower left and upper right margins. Punctiform damage to the paper with a hole in the top center.