About this sheet
Antique Swiss Lithograph, Chapelle de Küsnacht, William Tell Scene, 1825
A finely composed Romantic-era lithograph depicting the Chapelle de Küsnacht (Tellskapelle) in the Canton of Schwyz, Switzerland—an iconic site deeply connected to the legendary figure of William Tell. This evocative view captures the small chapel nestled within a wooded landscape, approached by a gently winding path where local figures gather, lending both scale and narrative life to the composition.
The work was created circa 1825 and represents a collaboration between the artist Jules Louis Frédéric Villeneuve and the master lithographer Godefroy Engelmann, one of the most important pioneers of early lithographic printing. Engelmann’s technical expertise is clearly visible in the refined tonal gradations and subtle atmospheric depth, while Villeneuve’s composition reflects the Romantic fascination with history, landscape, and national identity.
The chapel itself commemorates the legendary Swiss hero William Tell and marks the location associated with his dramatic escape and confrontation with the Habsburg governor Gessler in the Hohle Gasse (Sunken Lane). Built in the 16th century, the structure had already become a symbolic and cultural landmark by the time this print was produced, making it a popular subject for early 19th-century travelers and collectors interested in Swiss heritage and folklore.
This lithograph belongs to the broader tradition of Grand Tour imagery and picturesque European views, combining architectural interest with a poetic natural setting. The delicate rendering of foliage, the soft modulation of light, and the balanced composition make this an excellent example of early lithography at its most refined.
Examples of this print are held in institutional collections, including the Musée d’art et d’histoire de Genève, underscoring its historical and artistic relevance.
Condition report: In good antique condition with age-related toning and scattered foxing visible throughout the sheet. Minor edge wear and light handling marks consistent with its age. The image remains clear and well-printed with strong tonal quality.
Framing tips: This print is ideally presented in a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide ivory or warm off-white mat to enhance contrast and depth. Museum glass is recommended for UV protection. Particularly suited for a study, library, or refined interior with warm, muted tones.
Technique: Lithograph
Maker: Jules Louis Frédéric Villeneuve (artist) & Godefroy Engelmann (lithographer), France/Switzerland, circa 1825
