Research

This interesting set of three exceptionally large watercolors depicts a series of alpine views among the Alps of eastern Switzerland.

The painting of a ravine can be identified as Viamala (“bad path” in Romansch), a narrow gorge on the approach to the Splügen and San Bernadino mountain passes in the state of Graubünden. The path existed in Roman antiquity and much of this was reconstructed in the medieval period. Between 1738-39 two bridges were built to cross the river and in 1818-21 new road and tunnels were added.

In the watercolor depicting two large white buildings on the right, the main building is labeled “Hof Ragaz,” which was a grand 18th century hotel in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland. This area was known for it’s thermal waters to which people would travel in hopes of curing their ailments. The Grand Hotel Hof Ragaz still stands today.

The final watercolor is assumed to depict a view of the Engadine Valley, also in the state of Graubünden, surrounded by high mountains on all sides.

Marks:
One painting bears a label that reads:
von Zurich 91 nach Altstetten (N.O.B.)