Pont Charles Albert à la Caille

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228a

Art Historical Context

**Pont Charles Albert à laaille** by Charles Dubois-Melly a picturesque view of the Pont Charles Albert à laaille, likely a charming bridge in the Geneva region of Switzerland. Created sometime between 1831 and1905, this lith reflects the 19th-century fascination with precise architectural and topographical scenes. Dubois-M, a Swiss artist known for his detailed prints, contributed to the era's growing tradition of documenting urban landmarks amid Europe's industrial and Romantic transformations. Lithography, the medium here (251mm × 194mm), was revolutionary in the early 1800s for its ability to produce fine, tonal images directly from artists' drawings on stone—ideal for reproducing intricate bridge structures and surrounding landscapes. This technique democratized art, making high-quality views accessible beyond paintings, and fueled tourism and local pride in engineering feats like bridges named for figures such as King Charles Albert of Sardinia (r. 1831–1849). On the verso, a collector's mark stamped Lugt 2228a (cataloged by Frits Lugt) hints at its esteemed provenance, linking it to discerning 19th- or early 20th-century collectors. This modest yet evocative print invites us to appreciate how everyday infrastructure became art, bridging history and beauty.