Zicht op het huis van Jacques Balmat bij Chamonix 1859

Eugène Cicéri made this watercolor called 'View of Jacques Balmat's House near Chamonix'. Chamonix, nestled in the French Alps, was not only a picturesque village but also a nexus of early mountaineering. Jacques Balmat, a local guide, achieved fame as one of the first to ascend Mont Blanc in 1786. Here we have a look at the domestic life of a working class alpinist. His modest house sits at odds with the grand, sublime landscape. Cicéri was celebrated for his romantic landscapes, which often idealized rural life. But let's consider this image beyond its picturesque qualities. It reflects the burgeoning interest in the Alps, driven by scientific exploration and the Romantic movement's fascination with nature. It prompts us to reflect on whose stories get told and the complex relationship between people and the environment. It’s not just a serene landscape; it's a cultural artifact, laden with stories of exploration, identity, and place.