Artwork
Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne
Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Karel Frans Philippeau. It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne is a watercolour painting created by Karel Frans Philippeau in 1856, capturing a scenic view of Lake Lucerne.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a dramatic landscape where a steep, green mountain slopes down to a wide, calm lake. The serene water reflects a light-filled sky, contrasting with the sharply rising cliffs. Sparse trees cling to the rocky incline, set beneath soft, fluffy clouds. The composition conveys a sense of natural tranquility.
Technique & Style
Philippeau employed loose, quick brushstrokes to dynamically capture the interplay of light on both the water and the hills. The overall effect is sketchy and vibrant, prioritizing the immediacy of the natural scene over flawless smoothness.
History & Provenance
Created in 1856, specific details about the painting's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided in the available information.
Context
This watercolour reflects the 19th-century artistic interest in capturing the beauty of natural landscapes. It aligns with the period's emphasis on outdoor subjects and the expressive use of watercolour for such themes.
Legacy
Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne contributes to the broader legacy of 19th-century watercolour landscape painting. For similar works, the Victoria and Albert Museum is noted as a relevant resource.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
A quiet watercolorist of the 1850s, Karel Frans Philippeau captured Alpine light in crisp, portable sheets.
