The Bridge and the Waterfall at Dornach, Switzerland 1791

Jens Juel painted "The Bridge and the Waterfall at Dornach, Switzerland" using oil on canvas. The materials used were typical for the late 18th century, but their application yields interesting insights into the period’s social dynamics. Juel’s technique captures the scene with a smooth, almost idealized finish. The brushstrokes are subtle, reflecting the labor and time involved in achieving such a refined surface, which would require extensive preparation. There is a contrast here between the manicured nature and order of society, and the unkempt nature as a place of solace, leisure, and contemplation. While the scene depicts the natural environment, there is little focus on the labor required for the bridge or the town. This romantic view of nature ignores the social realities of the time, perhaps reflecting the distance between the artist and the working class. The painting invites us to think about how art can both reveal and conceal the realities of labor and class.