Who painted An Alpine Valley?

An Alpine Valley was painted by Rodolphe Leon Berthoud in 1878.

Where can I see An Alpine Valley?

An Alpine Valley is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is An Alpine Valley?

An Alpine Valley is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of An Alpine Valley?

Museum-quality prints of An Alpine Valley are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

An Alpine Valley

Rodolphe Leon Berthoud , 1878

An Alpine Valley is a watercolor drawing by the Impressionist artist Rodolphe Leon Berthoud. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Rodolphe Leon Berthoud’s watercolor, dated 1878, depicts a tranquil Alpine valley. The composition centers on a modest settlement tucked against a ring of steep peaks, with foliage and sky rendered in layered washes that convey the region’s natural atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents a pastoral scene where human habitation harmonizes with the surrounding mountains. By placing the village at the base of the cliffs, the artist emphasizes the relationship between community and landscape, suggesting a quiet coexistence within a rugged environment.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor on paper, the piece relies on varied pigment tones to model form and depth. Light and shadow are articulated through transparent washes, while brisk brushstrokes suggest movement in foliage and cloudscape, reflecting a sensibility akin to late‑19th‑century plein‑air practices.

History & Provenance

Created in 1878, the drawing belongs to Berthoud’s later period, when he focused on Alpine subjects. The work has remained in private collections since its completion, with its provenance documented through exhibition catalogues and the artist’s own records.