36 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), The town of Visp after the earthquake, Switzerland, 1855, pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), The town of Visp after the earthquake, Switzerland, 1855, pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804 Dijon – 1882 ibid.): View of the town of Visp (Viège, Fischp) in the canton of Valais after an earthquake, “Viege (Valais) après le tremblement de terre,” 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 picture shows a detailed pencil drawing of a picturesque townscape, presumably from a historical period. In the center is a striking church tower with a pointed roof, flanked by other buildings with different roof shapes. The architecture is characterized by clear, vertical, and horizontal lines that create a harmonious composition. Wooden structures can be seen in the foreground—possibly bridges or scaffolding—which emphasize the rural character of the surroundings. The use of perspective lends the picture depth, while the fine shading subtly suggests the lighting conditions. It is a calm, almost meditative depiction of an urban landscape that combines both architectural and landscape elements. Keywords: City view; Church tower; Architecture; Pencil drawing; Historic buildings; Landscape; Perspective; Depth of space; Harmony; Rural surroundings; Wooden structures; Composition; Vertical lines; Horizontal lines; Shading; Lighting conditions; Quiet; Meditative; Traditional; Drawing; 19th century; Romanticism; Cities; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 30.2 cm x 23.8 cm (11.9 x 9.4 in) Condition: Good condition. The corners of the sheet are noticeably wavy due to mounting on the reverse. Browning along the edges. Pale discoloration in places within the image.