Switzerland, Davos

Davos im Schnee – Antique Swiss Wood Engraving, 1897 “Davos im Schnee” (“Davos in the Snow”) is an original antique Swiss wood engraving depicting Davos, Switzerland, in winter, when the celebrated Alpine resort was already attracting visitors from throughout Europe. Davos is located in the canton of Graubünden in southeastern Switzerland, in the high-altitude Landwasser Valley of the Swiss Alps. By the late 19th century, Davos had developed from a traditional Alpine settlement into an internationally known winter resort and health destination, particularly renowned for its mountain climate and sanatoriums. The engraving provides a fascinating view of Davos beneath a heavy blanket of snow, with the settlement extending across the valley floor and the surrounding snow-covered Alpine mountains rising behind it. The prominent church spire visible toward the right is associated with St. Theodul Church (Kirche St. Theodul) in Davos Dorf, a historic landmark with origins reaching back to the medieval period. The scene also reflects the changing character of Davos during the late 19th century, when traditional Alpine buildings existed alongside villas, hotels, and sanatoriums serving the growing number of visitors arriving in the resort. The surrounding forests and dramatic mountain landscape emphasize why Davos became one of Switzerland's best-known Alpine destinations. This fine wood engraving was made after a photograph by Reisch in Davos and dated 1897, making it a particularly interesting visual record of the resort during an important period in its development. Original antique print Wood engraving after a photograph by Reisch, Davos Dated 1897 A few light, minor spots in the margins Image: 16.5 × 22.5 cm (6.4 × 8.8 in.) $80.00 — 40% OFF → $48.00