SNOW PEAKS IN ART

​The landscape genre came relatively late, in the mid 17th century  Holland. Not surprising,  these paintings show environment which is predominantly flat.
However, one hundred years earlier the great Peter Bruegel traveled to Alps and introduced mountains  into his paintings.     We have to wait another 250 years to see something  similar!

Peter Bruegel,  November, (detail) 1565

 The perception of the Alps changed in the end of eighteenth century from that of a "gloomy, frowning, oppressive, and a disfigurement of the landscape" to one more attune to the wonder and beauty of nature.  Its remoteness and awe-inspiring  grandeur with constant change of weather and light added to attraction. 

Mont Blanc,  end of   18th century

​Topographic
Meticulous  drawings of the  Alps in period when  they became a subject of  scientific interest.
They have both geological and historical significance.

Hans Conrad Escher, Matterhorn, 1806

Gustav Radde,  Layla from Pari, 1866

​Romantic
For Victorian painters mountains  were manifestation of sublime natural architecture with it's spires and towers bathed in transitional light. Watercolor on paper was most suitable for this task.

John Ruskin,   Aiguille Verte ,   1850

​Academic 
It was popular in North America and the Continent. Very close to life these paintings (oil on canvas) are views of  snow peaks  in stark contrast with lush valleys. It's style traces back to Poussin.

Alexey Savrasov, Jungfrau, 1875

Modern (Symbolist)
Just as Romantics these artists payed much attention to light.  But their palette was more intense and forms more defined. 

Ferdinand Hodler, Jungfrau,  1914

Nikolay Roerich, Elbrus, 1933

Modern (Expressionist)
Free use of color and dynamic compositions. 

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Davos,  1925

Modern (Classical)
These painting  with strong contrasts of light and shade has limited palette and gives an excellent idea of how mountains are built.

​Howard Somerwell, Marmolada, 1936

​Outdoor
These two examples show different approach to on-site painting. One  has almost photographic quality while another is free in handling and color.  

Franz Roubaud, Kazbek, 1882

Henri Matisse,  Savoy Alps, 1901