Artwork

L'Orido a Bellano sul Lago di Como (The Orrido di Bellano near Lake Como)

L'Orido a Bellano sul Lago di Como (The Orrido di Bellano near Lake Como) is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist Peter Birmann. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Peter Birmann’s drawing, dated around 1805, depicts the Orrido di Bellano, a narrow gorge near Lake Como. Executed on wove paper with pen ink and brown wash, the work captures a rugged landscape featuring a small waterfall, steep cliffs, and a solitary bridge traversed by a lone figure.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a rocky cleft where water tumbles over a modest cascade. Sparse trees with bare limbs frame the scene, emphasizing the starkness of the terrain. The solitary figure on the bridge suggests contemplation of nature’s raw power and the human impulse to explore such remote locales.

Technique & Style

Birmann employed black and brown ink combined with a brown wash to model volume and depth. Cross‑hatching and varied line density create pronounced shadows on the cliffs, while the wash softens the water’s surface. The interplay of line and tone yields a three‑dimensional illusion of the gorge’s textures.

History & Provenance

The drawing originates from the early nineteenth century, a period when Birmann traveled extensively in the Swiss‑Italian Alpine region. It is catalogued as a work on paper, laid down on wove support, and has been retained within collections documenting Birmann’s topographical studies.

Context

During the early 1800s, artists frequently documented scenic locales for scientific and aesthetic purposes. The Orrido di Bellano, a popular subject for travelers, exemplifies the Romantic fascination with dramatic natural formations, aligning Birmann’s work with contemporary landscape traditions.