Landscape in the Canton of Uri (1857–1861)

Our latest exhibit features the awe-inspiring work of Swiss artist Alexandre Calame, whose painting "Landscape in the Canton of Uri" encapsulates the majestic serenity of the Swiss scenery. Created between 1857 and 1861, this masterpiece is a witness to Calame's profound connection with the landscapes of his homeland.The painting presents a peaceful valley in the Canton of Uri, Switzerland, where the tranquility of nature is almost tangible. At the forefront, a reflective lake mirrors the cloudy sky and frames the composition, leading the eye gently towards a lush grouping of trees on the right. These trees stand as silent sentinels, overseeing the scene with a dignified grace.Beyond this peaceful foreground, the viewer's gaze is drawn across a wide meadow, dotted sporadically with hints of human presence, seen in the small, secluded wooden structures that appear nestled against the mountainside. The vastness of the meadows stretches out, bordered by the dramatic rise of rugged mountains that enclose the valley with their towering presence. The mountains, cloaked in varying shades of dark greens and browns under a soft, muted sky, evoke a sense of enduring steadfastness and raw beauty.Each element in Calame’s painting—from the reflective waters of the lake to the imposing mountains—works harmoniously to create a landscape that is both a celebration of nature’s quiet grandeur and a reflection of the sublime. This portrayal not only showcases Calame's mastery of landscape painting but also his ability to evoke emotion and contemplation through his depiction of the natural world.