At Handeck

The view is of Handeck, a hamlet in the Haslital valley in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland. We are looking south towards the Bernese Alps and its glaciers in the far distance. The Handeck Falls – for which the area is well known – can be seen in the narrow pass just below. The river in the valley is the Aare, which flows from the glaciers.

The Swiss artist Calame was a frequent visitor to the Bernese Alps, and the untamed, rugged beauty of Handeck especially appealed to him. In this small painting, a tall pine tree dominates the scene, rising from a steep mountain overlooking the valley. A storm appears to gather overhead.

Trees had a symbolic meaning for Calame. Although damaged by severe weather, this solitary pine tree might be seen as a symbol of strength, and such human qualities as endurance in the face of adversity.

Text: © The National Gallery, London

Painting photographed in its frame by Google Arts & Culture, 2023.