RG-2026-005
Zürich – View from the Hôtel de l'Épée, colored lithograph after Corrodi, 1837
ca. 1837–1845
About the Work
This colored lithograph showcases Zurich in its classic romantic view from the legendary Hôtel de l'Épée—once the meeting place for traveling aristocrats and participants of the Grand Tour. The precise date of 1837 and the mention of the artist 'Corrodi' render this a documented testament of Zurich just before the railway age: Rowing boats still dominate the Limmat, while the majestic Alps stand untouched in the background. Published by H. F. Leuthold in Zurich—one of the leading Swiss graphic publishers of the Biedermeier period—this piece guarantees an exceptional quality of print.
Collector Interest
For American and Japanese collectors, this view is a classic of the European Grand Tour image canon: the Grossmünster, one of Switzerland's most famous landmarks, the picturesque Limmat Bridge, and the snow-capped Alps in the background create the exact romantic image of Switzerland that is sought after worldwide. The precisely dated year of creation, 1837, along with the renowned Zurich publisher Leuthold, significantly enhances the documentary value for international museums and collectors of Swiss urban history.
Provenance
This sheet originates from a private collection in Central Switzerland, located in Zug, and depicts Zurich at a historically significant moment: 1837, when the city was still entirely in tune with the rhythm of the Limmat, on the eve of industrialization. Drawn by Corrodi and published by the renowned Zurich house H. F. Leuthold, this piece belongs to the fine category of dated Swiss views with a traceable history of artist and publisher—ready for the wall of a discerning collector.
Inscriptions
ZURICH / prise depuis l'Hôtel de l'Epée. | Dessiné par Corrodi 1837 | Publié par H. F. Leuthold à Zurich. | [rechts unten, teilweise lesbar:] Lith. par [?]