Artwork

Bords du lac du Bourget

Bords du lac du Bourget, by Adolphe Appian, ink, 1866
Bords du lac du Bourget, by Adolphe Appian, ink, 1866

Bords du lac du Bourget is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Adolphe Appian. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Bords du lac du Bourget is an 1866 etching by French artist Adolphe Appian, capturing a serene lakeside scene with meticulous detail.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a tranquil moment on the shores of Lake Bourget, emphasizing Appian's affinity for peaceful, rural landscapes. A solitary figure in a small boat adds a subtle human presence amidst the natural setting.

Technique & Style

Appian employed etching to achieve remarkable realism, evident in the intricate rendering of water ripples, leafy foliage, and textured rocky cliffs, inviting the viewer to appreciate the medium's expressive capabilities.

History & Provenance

Created in 1866, the etching reflects Appian's established practice of landscape art, though specific provenance details are not provided here.

Context

This work aligns with 19th-century European artistic interests in capturing the beauty of everyday natural environments, often seeking to evoke calmness and serenity.

Legacy

While not individually renowned, *Bords du lac du Bourget* contributes to Appian's broader legacy as a meticulous landscape etcher, encouraging viewers to explore the technical and aesthetic potentials of etching in capturing nature.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Adolphe Appian

Artist

Adolphe Appian

Adolphe Appian (born as Jacques Barthelemy Adolphe Appian; 28 August 1819 – 29 April 1898) was a French landscape painter and etcher.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.