Caspar Wolf

Swiss, 1735–1783

The Geltenbach Falls in the Lauenen Valley with an Ice Bridge

c. 1778
Oil on cardboard

In this study, graceful curves flow around the bridge of ice. Water from the melting snow has worn a picturesque path as it flows down the mountainside

Wolfgang-Adam Töpffer

Swiss, 1766–1847

Wooded Landscape with Stream, White Horse, and Young Man Resting

c. 1805
Oil on cardboard

Töpffer was particularly sensitive to the effects of light and atmosphere in his paintings. Wooded Landscape with Stream was painted in the artist's studio from sketches done in the open air, yet it retains the freshness of a study made directly from nature.

Wolfgang-Adam Töpffer

Swiss, 1766–1847

Study of Rocky Lakeside Landscape (possibly Lake Geneva)

1812
Oil on cardboard

This small study was painted outdoors, probably on the shore of Lake Geneva. Calame shared Töpffer's interest in rock formations and alpine vegetation.

Alexandre Calame

Swiss, 1810–1864

Mountain Torrent before a Storm (The River Aare, Haslital)

1850
Oil on canvas

Like many of Calame's finished paintings, Mountain Torrent before a Storm is a synthesis of many smaller studies from nature. The wind-blown fir trees, raging torrent, and storm clouds draw the viewer into a violent yet spectacularly beautiful world.

Alexandre Calame

Swiss, 1810–1864

Souvenir of Albis (Lake Zurich)

1853
Oil on canvas

Calame often painted scenes of Lake Zurich and Lake Lucerne. In this picture, the warm light of a setting sun over the shimmering lake creates an atmosphere of nostalgic contemplation and sentimental meditation.

Alexandre Calame

Swiss 1810–1864

At Handeck

c. 1860
Oil on canvas

The single tree that dominates the mountain landscape in At Handeck had a deep religious significance for Calame. He once commented that a fir tree "before being uprooted rules over vast solitude alone with God."

Alexandre Calame

Swiss, 1810–1864

The Mythen

c. 1861
Oil on canvas

The Mythen is one of the greatest of Calame's panoramic mountain views. The painting captures the brilliant evening sunlight as it illuminates the two peaks near Lake Lucerne and casts a shadow on the cottage in the foreground.

Alexandre Calame

Swiss, 1810–1864

The River Lütschine near Lauterbrunnen

c. 1862
Oil on canvas

Calame painted rock studies such as The River Lütschine near Lauterbrunnen in preparation for his large finished paintings. The artist's remarkable precision of observation is evident in his ability to capture the minute fissures in the rocks.

François Diday

Swiss, 1802–1877

The Gelmerhorn

1857
Oil on canvas

This large canvas depicting one of Switzerland's famous mountain views is typical of Diday's finished paintings. A beautiful sunset brightens the snow and reflects in the stream. Details include meticulously painted rocks and mountain peaks, as well as three goats strategically placed next to a group of fir trees to complete the mountain idyll.

François Diday

Swiss, 1802–1877

Forest of Finges

1857
Oil on canvas

Forest of Finges depicts a site in the Rhône Valley in Valais. Filled with golden, Italianate light, the painting is uncharacteristic for a Swiss landscape, since the mountains are so thoroughly hidden behind pines—-a variety from the southern lowlands that is different from the Nordic firs that grow at high altitudes and are often depicted in alpine paintings.

François Diday

Swiss, 1802–1877

Near Salève

1863
Oil on canvas

In this oil study, Diday has described water, vegetation, and rocks with an intensity unusual in such a small canvas. The painting expresses the power of landscape without focusing the viewer's attention on distracting details.

Rudolf Koller

Swiss, 1828–1905

On the Road from Weggis to Vitznau

1854
Oil on canvas

Barthélemy Menn

Swiss, 1815–1893

Bridge in Mountainous Roman Landscape

Oil on canvas

Robert Zünd

Swiss, 1827–1909

Storm Study

Oil on canvas

Johann Gottfried Steffan

Swiss, 1815–1905

Near Meiringen (The Wetterhorn)

1846
Oil on canvas

Traugott Schiess

Swiss, 1834–1869

The Matterhorn, Zermatt

1860–61
From Rheintal-Haslital-Wallis-Genfersee sketchbook no. IV
Watercolor on paper