Artwork

Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne

Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne, by Karel Frans Philippeau, watercolor, 1856
Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne, by Karel Frans Philippeau, watercolor, 1856

Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Karel Frans Philippeau. It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne is a watercolour painting created by Karel Frans Philippeau in 1856, capturing a scenic view of Lake Lucerne.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a dramatic landscape where a steep, green mountain slopes down to a wide, calm lake. The serene water reflects a light-filled sky, contrasting with the sharply rising cliffs. Sparse trees cling to the rocky incline, set beneath soft, fluffy clouds. The composition conveys a sense of natural tranquility.

Technique & Style

Philippeau employed loose, quick brushstrokes to dynamically capture the interplay of light on both the water and the hills. The overall effect is sketchy and vibrant, prioritizing the immediacy of the natural scene over flawless smoothness.

History & Provenance

Created in 1856, specific details about the painting's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided in the available information.

Context

This watercolour reflects the 19th-century artistic interest in capturing the beauty of natural landscapes. It aligns with the period's emphasis on outdoor subjects and the expressive use of watercolour for such themes.

Legacy

Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne contributes to the broader legacy of 19th-century watercolour landscape painting. For similar works, the Victoria and Albert Museum is noted as a relevant resource.

Bay of Uri, Brunnen (from Switzerland 1870 Sketchbook)
Bay of Uri, Brunnen (from Switzerland 1870 Sketchbook), John Singer Sargent

Artist & collection

Artist

Karel Frans Philippeau

A quiet watercolorist of the 1850s, Karel Frans Philippeau captured Alpine light in crisp, portable sheets.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne?

Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne was painted by Karel Frans Philippeau in 1856.

Where can I see Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne?

Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne?

Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne?

Museum-quality prints of Bay of Uri, Lake of Lucerne are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.