Ein Schweizer Tal mit einem Fluß zwischen Tannenwäldern, rechts auf dem Berg ein Schloß, vorne fünf Kühe 

Nicolas Pérignon created this Swiss landscape using watercolor and graphite, two media readily available and easily portable. Here, the thin washes of watercolor allow us to see the tooth of the paper itself, almost as if the image is emerging directly from the fibers. Notice how Pérignon has built up layers of graphite and pigment to create depth and texture, particularly in the trees and the mountains. The effect is one of softness and light, evoking a calm and idyllic scene. It's interesting to consider the social context of this work. Watercolor and graphite were popular among amateur artists and travelers in the 18th century, offering a relatively accessible way to capture scenes of nature. But while the medium itself may have been democratic, the subject matter – a picturesque landscape with a castle in the distance – speaks to the interests of a particular class of society. By focusing on the materials and techniques used to create this image, we can gain a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural significance, and question the boundaries between fine art and craft.