Forets et Montagnes 1830 - 1864

Alexandre Calame made this drawing of "Forets et Montagnes" using graphite on paper. Graphite, essentially pencil lead, is a humble material. Its directness allowed Calame to capture the drama of the landscape with deceptive ease. Look at how he uses the graphite’s inherent qualities. Softly smudged areas evoke the atmospheric distance, while sharp, dark lines define the rugged rock formations. The very act of layering graphite creates depth and texture, mimicking the geological processes that shaped the mountains themselves. The rapid, almost sketch-like quality speaks to the changing perception of nature during the industrial revolution. Artists were no longer just depicting idealized landscapes, but also seeking to capture the sublime power and ephemerality of the natural world, often in the face of encroaching industry. By embracing such a simple medium, Calame draws attention to the fundamental elements of art-making: line, tone, and the artist’s hand. This reminds us that even the grandest subjects can be explored through humble means, challenging the perceived hierarchy between 'high art' and the everyday practices of drawing and sketching.