623 - J. KLEIN (1792–1875), In the Furca Mountains in Switzerland, 1820, Etching

J. KLEIN (1792–1875), In the Furca Mountains in Switzerland, 1820, Etching Johann Adam Klein (1792 Nuremberg – 1875 Munich): In the Furca Mountains in Switzerland, 1820, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Catalogue Raisonné: , 247, II/II Inscription: Inscribed, signed, and dated on the printing plate below the image: "In the Furka Mountains in Switzerland | J: A: Klein f. Rome 1820" Date: 1820 Description: Two mules loaded with cheese; the first is shown in profile to the right, while the second is grazing behind it. The lead mule, with its back to the viewer, lies on the ground to the left. In the middle ground, two more mules carrying baggage are walking in front of their driver along a narrow mule track, above which a high mountain peak rises. The etching depicts a mountain scene with two pack animals in the foreground, heavily laden and standing on a rocky path. The animals are depicted in detail, complete with bridles and saddlebags. A man in a top hat and cape can be seen on the left, gazing into the distance. In the background, majestic mountain peaks stretch out beneath a cloudy sky. The composition uses diagonal lines to create a sense of movement, with the mountain range in the distance adding depth of perspective. The lighting is defined by subtle shading and sharp contrasts, emphasizing the texture of the rocks and the details of the clothing. This scene captures the challenges and beauty of alpine transportation. Bibliography: Jahn, C.: The Work of Johann Adam Klein. Painter and copperplate engraver in Munich, member of the Royal Academy of Arts in Berlin, recipient of the Cross of Merit of the Ducal Saxon Ernestine House Order; Munich 1863. Cat. Rais. No.: 247, II/II. Keywords: animals; mules; pack animals; Alps; mountain pass; Switzerland; trade; caravan; mountains; pack animals; Alps; man; cylinder; rocks; transport; trail; mountains; pack sacks; landscape; sky; hatching; perspective; travel; nature; mountain peaks; animals; clothing; cloak; 19th century; Romanticism; Animals; Switzerland; Size: Paper: 17.6 cm x 21.8 cm (6.9 x 8.6 in) Condition: Very good condition. Trimmed just outside the platemark. Occasional faint foxing visible. The lower right corner of the sheet is slightly creased.