Rheinfelden ohnweit Eglisau (Original Title) 

Heinrich Wüest created this drawing of ‘Rheinfelden near Eglisau’ in graphite. Notice how Wüest structures the scene, almost like a stage. The eye is led from the pond in the foreground through a veil of trees to a building set back in the landscape. The soft gradations of graphite create an immersive depth. The building, centrally placed, anchors the composition, while the surrounding foliage softens the architecture with organic forms, almost obscuring it. The drawing’s visual language speaks to the aesthetic values of its time, yet it subtly destabilizes traditional landscape conventions. The interplay between clarity and obscurity allows Wüest to challenge the viewer’s perception, blurring boundaries. The work becomes more than just a depiction of a place; it’s a statement about how we perceive and engage with the world around us. The drawing operates within a system of signs, reflecting a cultural code which values nuanced observation. The graphite medium itself underscores this delicate balance between revealing and concealing.