Figure on the Via Mala
signed lower left 'J. S. Cotman'
pencil
32 x 22cm

Provenance:
According to inscription verso, Eastwood Lodge Gallery, May 1975, No. 18;
Colnaghi, London

The Via Mala (literally meaning ‘Bad Path’) is a narrow gorge along the river Hinterrhein, Switzerland, and also the name of the ancient and treacherous pathway that crosses it. Its awe-inspiring nature made it a favourite subject of Romantic artists including Turner and Cotman. A drawing by Cotman after a watercolour by Turner of the Via Mala, the passage of Mount St Gothard, is in the British Museum, alongside an original by Cotman depicting figures crossing the bridge (1902,0514.135).

Condition Report
No tears or damage to the sheet.  Not examined out of frame.  Very light, scattered foxing (see images).  Occasional fly spots beneath glass and mount.