34 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Old Tree Near Aigle at Grande Eau, 1855, Pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Old Tree Near Aigle at Grande Eau, 1855, Pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804, Dijon – 1882, ibid.): Old tree on the Chemin de la Grande Eau near Aigle in the canton of Vaud, while traveling in 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 a majestic tree with sweeping branches extending into a wooded area. The sketch is rendered in fine pencil lines that capture the tree’s structure and texture in detail. The branches are curved and appear dynamic, while the trunk appears stable and firmly rooted. Hints of bushes and other trees can be seen in the background, creating a sense of depth. The composition emphasizes the tree’s natural form, without human figures or other stylistic distractions. The play of light is subtle, suggested only by the density of the lines. There is no narrative structure; the focus is on the pure depiction of nature. Keywords: tree; forest; nature; pencil drawing; branches; structure; texture; depth of space; play of light; landscape; sketch; vegetation; calmness; naturalness; composition; lines; detail; organic; nature study; drawing; 19th century; Romanticism; Nature; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 23.7 cm x 30.5 cm (9.3 x 12 in) Condition: Good condition. The paper is slightly creased in places. The corners of the sheet are noticeably wavy due to mounting on the reverse. Minimal traces of liquid and waviness in places on all sides. Faint discoloration in places along the edges.