Heinrichsbad in Herisau 

Edward Theodore Compton created this drawing of Heinrichsbad in Herisau using sepia chalk. The architecture seems to blend into the landscape. The buildings and geography are organized in a way that feels classically picturesque, inviting the viewer to imagine the leisurely pursuits of the upper classes. In late 19th century Switzerland, such resorts were developing rapidly, changing the relationship between the landscape and the economy. The burgeoning tourist industry attracted new money and new development but it also raised questions about which social classes had access to the beauty and restorative power of the mountains. The artist’s choice of soft sepia chalk enhances the idyllic qualities of the drawing. A historian researching this drawing might consult tourist brochures and social commentaries from the period to understand its context more fully.