Falls of Schaffhausen

c. 1784

Charles-Melchior Descourtis after Friedrich Rosenberg after Johann Heinrich Troll

Associated Names
Charles-Melchior Descourtis

Artist, French, 1753 - 1820

Friedrich Rosenberg

Artist After, German, 1758 - 1833

Johann Heinrich Troll

Artist After, Swiss, 1756 - 1824

The image shows an elevated view of a landscape with a mixture of natural and man-made elements. The horizon is centrally positioned, blending into softly rolling hills and distant structures. A waterfall cascades down from the right side, with rocky outcroppings interrupting its flow. On the left, a stone building with a sloped roof stands near the water's edge. The brushstrokes are smooth, emphasizing details in the landscape and architectural elements. The color palette includes earthy tones with soft greens, browns, and grays, complemented by warm building colors. The sky is pale blue with a gentle gradient and fluffy clouds. Two figures in period clothing stand on a grassy bank, observing the scene, while a small boat with a rower floats in the calm water nearby. More structures and trees are visible in the distance, adding depth to the image.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Jan Johnson, Montreal); purchased 2001 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2003

  • Colorful Impressions: The Printmaking Revolution in Eighteenth-Century France, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2003-2004, no. 43, as Falls at Schaffhausen.

Bibliography

2003

  • Colorful Impressions: The Printmaking Revolution in Eighteenth-Century France. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2003-2004: no. 43.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: Troll. del: Rosenberg pinx; lower right inplate: Descourtis sculp.; lower center in plate: LEOPOLDO II AUSTRIACO / Imperatori Semper August Regi Apostolico / Hanc Rheni...Liber Cives Bernensis; lower left in plate: Chalco graphia Hentziana

Wikidata ID

Q76337359

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