40 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), At the Gemmi Pass near Kandersteg, Bern, 1859, pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), At the Gemmi Pass near Kandersteg, Bern, 1859, pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804 Dijon – 1882 ibid.): At the Gemmi Pass near Kandersteg in the canton of Bern, while traveling in Switzerland, sketchbook, 1859, pencil Technique: Pencil on paper, mounted on paper Date: 1859 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). A delicate pencil drawing depicts a vast mountain landscape. A valley stretches out in the foreground, blending into a grove of trees and vegetation. A small building stands in the center of the picture, nestled within nature. The mountain range in the background rises majestically, with a particularly striking peak that draws the eye. The composition is balanced, with a gentle line of sight leading from the structures in the valley up to the peaks. The lines are fine and detailed, giving the drawing an airy lightness. The sky is left blank to emphasize the clarity of the landscape. Keywords: Mountain landscape; Pencil drawing; Valley; Vegetation; Buildings; Summit; Nature; Horizon; Smooth lines; Richness of detail; Clarity; Lightness; Sky; Composition; Landscape depiction; Balance; Delicate drawing; Serenity; Harmony; Width; 19th century; Romanticism; Landscape; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 31.1 cm x 23.9 cm (12.2 x 9.4 in) Condition: Good condition. The corners of the sheet are noticeably wavy due to mounting on the reverse. There is a vertical streak of liquid in the center. Pale traces of liquid are visible in some areas of the image.