Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles of Chamouni in Switzerland: P.15132-R

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (1911) by Friends of the Fitzwilliam Museum

Dating

19th Century
1843 - 1856

Note

Cf. Fig. 22 of CHAPTER XIII, 'OF THE SCULPTURE OF MOUNTAINS:—SECONDLY, THE CENTRAL PEAKS' in John Ruskin, Modern Painters, Vol IV (Smith, Elder and Co., London, 1856), p.166: 'The valley of Chamouni, largely viewed, and irrespectively of minor ravines and irregularities, is nothing more than a deep trench, dug between two ranges of nearly continuous mountains,—dug with a straightness and evenness which render its scenery, in some respects, more monotonous than that of any other Alpine valley. ... Then the Mont Blanc, a higher and heavier cluster of such summits, loaded with deep snow, terminates the range. Glaciers of greater or less extent descend between the pyramids of rock; and one, supplied from their largest recesses, even runs down the bank into the valley. Fig. 22 rudely represents the real contours of the mountains, including Mont Blanc itself, on its south side.' A handwritten label on the verso of the block states: 'Drawn on the woodblock by Ruskin. "Modern Painters" Vol 4, fig. 22 on p. 166. Another version of the view up the valley of Chamouni; the published one shows one side of bank only, whilst this shows position of the other side, as well as the published version. 6 guineas / f/ms/D'. In graphite '679'.

School or Style

British