From the Dolomites 

Edward Theodore Compton painted this landscape, From the Dolomites, using watercolor on paper. The diaphanous quality of watercolor lends itself well to atmospheric effects; the subtle gradations of light on the mountain and the mist in the air. Consider the labor and material production behind this seemingly effortless painting. High-quality paper, made from processed plant fibers, provides the ground for the work. The artist would have used brushes, likely made from animal hair, to apply pigments derived from minerals and organic sources. The control of water is key to the watercolor technique. By layering translucent washes, Compton creates depth and captures the unique character of the Dolomites. Compton was a skilled artist in the tradition of landscape painting. He was attuned to the natural world, and also to the commercial market for picturesque scenes, particularly as tourism developed in the late 19th century. Recognizing the value in both the material and the subject, is key to understanding this work.