Gezicht op de Theodulpas before 1868

This albumen print by Louis Ghémar captures a stark vision of the Theodulpass. It's a study in contrasts, primarily in the interplay between light and shadow, which carves out the mountain’s formidable structure. The composition relies on a series of diagonal lines that thrust upwards, mimicking the mountain's ascent and creating a sense of dynamic instability. Ghémar uses tonality to differentiate the textures—smooth snowfields against rugged rock faces. This contrast emphasizes the sublime quality of the landscape, evoking a sense of awe. The image seems to reflect the shifting perceptions of nature during the 19th century, moving away from the picturesque to embrace a more visceral, overwhelming experience of the natural world. The print doesn’t just represent a mountain pass; it embodies a complex system of cultural codes regarding nature, exploration, and the sublime. It challenges the viewer to reconsider their relationship with the environment, to question established categories of beauty and to engage with the uncertain and potentially overwhelming aspects of nature.