Gezicht op de Alpen in Vaud, Zwitserland before 1897

These are two black and white photographs by R. Demole, probably printed in a book, of alpine landscapes in Vaud, Switzerland. The compositions strike a delicate balance, juxtaposing natural grandeur with human presence. The upper image presents a mountain framed by tall, dark trees, creating a depth that draws the eye into the scene. The textures are rich, from the rough bark of the trees to the smooth, snow-covered peaks. In the lower image, a rustic cabin nestles in the foreground, its angular form contrasting with the undulating mountains in the distance. These photographs engage with Romantic ideas of the sublime, but also subtly challenge them by including signs of human habitation. The semiotic interplay between nature and culture complicates any simple reading of the natural world. Consider how the stark contrast in tones between the dark foreground and the light background functions aesthetically and philosophically, inviting us to contemplate our place within the larger world. The photographs are sites for ongoing interpretation.