Berglandschap met naaldbomen, beek en regenwolken 1852 - 1855

Alexandre Calame created this landscape depicting a mountain scene with coniferous trees, a stream, and rain clouds using etching, a printmaking technique. Calame was a Swiss artist associated with the Romantic movement, which focused on emotions, imagination, and the beauty of nature. During the 1800’s many artists were turning away from traditional representations to develop alternative narratives. Calame was trying to capture the sublime power of nature. The image evokes a sense of awe and perhaps even fear. The trees are gnarled, the water rages over the rocks. This work encourages us to reflect on humanity’s place in the natural order. It encourages a dialogue between the power of nature versus the fragility of human existence.