Who painted Au Valromey?

Au Valromey was painted by Adolphe Appian in 1868.

Where can I see Au Valromey?

Au Valromey is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Au Valromey?

Au Valromey is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Au Valromey

Adolphe Appian , 1868

Au Valromey is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Adolphe Appian. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1868, *Au Valromey* is a print by French artist Adolphe Appian, known for his landscape paintings and prints. Executed on wove paper, the work combines etching with dry‑point techniques to render a tranquil riverside scene. The composition presents a quiet stretch of water bordered by trees, rocks and a small boat, evoking the calm of a rural French locale.

Subject & Meaning

The image portrays a peaceful riverbank where swans glide across gentle ripples, trees frame the water, and a solitary boat rests near the shore. The title, translating to “At Valromey,” identifies the setting as a specific place, likely a serene spot in the Valromey valley. The tranquil atmosphere and pastoral elements reflect Appian’s interest in depicting unspoiled natural environments.

Technique & Style

The resulting print is marked by precise linear detail—each leaf, ripple and branch rendered with sharp, almost sketch‑like clarity.

Appian employed a combination of etching and dry‑point on a metal plate, then printed the image onto wove paper. Dry‑point, involving direct incisions into the plate, yields soft, velvety lines that resemble a drawing, while traditional etching provides finer, more controlled strokes. The resulting print is marked by precise linear detail—each leaf, ripple and branch rendered with sharp, almost sketch‑like clarity.

History & Provenance

The work dates from the late 1860s, a period when Appian was actively producing landscape prints for the French market. While specific ownership records are limited, the print has appeared in several catalogues of 19th‑century French prints and is held in a number of museum and private collections that specialize in etchings of the era.