41 - E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Surava in the Oberhalbstein, Graubünden, 1859, pencil

E. BRETENIÈRES (*1804), Surava in the Oberhalbstein, Graubünden, 1859, pencil Edmond de Bretenières (1804 Dijon – 1882 ibid.): Surava in Oberhalbstein (Surses) between Tiefencastel (Casti) and Lenz (Lantsch) in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland, 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). The drawing depicts a rural scene with a small village in the foreground, nestled within a mountainous landscape. The composition is horizontal, with a high peak dominating the background. The village consists of several buildings, including a church with a tall, pointed tower situated in the center. The mountain ranges in the background are lightly sketched, with the lines hinting at the region’s natural topography. The lighting appears even, without strong contrasts, suggesting that the drawing was created in daylight. The depiction is rich in detail but without excessive elaboration, focusing on the natural forms and the calm atmosphere of the surroundings. Keywords: Village; Mountains; Church; Landscape; Sketch; Nature; Architecture; Topography; Tranquility; Drawing; Summit; Horizon; Buildings; Mountain range; Rural; Composition; Line; Detail; Daylight; Atmosphere; 19th century; Romanticism; Cities; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 23.7 cm x 30.8 cm (9.3 x 12.1 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 with scattered brownish spots below. There is faint browning along the right edge of the sheet.