Gezicht op de vallei van Hasly 1763 - 1785

Charles Melchior Descourtis created this watercolour and etching, "View of the Hasly Valley," which captures a wide, sweeping landscape. It is a study in contrasts, where the rugged mountains meet the softer valley. The image has a clear structure. In the foreground, a large rock formation and cascading waterfall anchor the scene, leading the eye towards the bridge. From there it moves towards the towering, rocky mountains in the distance. The subdued palette of grays and blues evokes a sense of serenity, subtly contrasted by the dynamic flow of water. This composition isn't merely a picturesque scene; it’s a carefully constructed space. The interplay between the natural, untamed elements and the structured bridge suggests a larger commentary on the relationship between civilization and nature. The sublime is captured not just through the grandeur of the landscape, but through the visual organization of space.