View of Zermatt Félix Édouard Vallotton (1865-1925)

The canvas presents a sweeping vista dominated by a colossal, snow-capped peak that rises dramatically from a valley floor. The mountains sheer scale is emphasized through its placement centrally within the composition and its considerable height relative to the surrounding landscape. Its stark white surface contrasts sharply with the verdant slopes below, creating a visual hierarchy that draws the eye upward.
The foreground depicts a pastoral scene; several cows graze peacefully in a meadow dotted with wildflowers. A winding path leads towards a cluster of buildings nestled within the valley. These structures appear rustic and functional, constructed primarily from wood and exhibiting a traditional architectural style. The warm tones of the wooden facades are offset by the bright white plaster used on some walls, contributing to a sense of lived-in authenticity.
The artist employed a layered approach in depicting depth. Closer elements – the farm buildings and grazing animals – are rendered with greater detail and sharper focus. As the eye moves further into the scene, forms become increasingly generalized, and colors soften, creating an atmospheric perspective that suggests vast distances. The slopes ascending towards the mountain are painted with varying shades of green and brown, indicating changes in vegetation and terrain. Patches of snow linger on these higher elevations, reinforcing the sense of altitude and seasonal transition.
The overall impression is one of tranquility and grandeur. There’s a palpable feeling of remoteness and isolation, yet also an invitation to experience the beauty and serenity of this alpine environment. The presence of livestock suggests human interaction with the landscape, but their scale relative to the mountain underscores the power and immutability of nature. The painting conveys not only a visual representation of a place, but also evokes a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world. It speaks to themes of rural life, tradition, and the enduring relationship between humanity and its environment.