Henri Knip (Dutch, 1819-after 1897)

It has been suggested that the present lot depicts the high mountain Simplon Pass (Passo del Sempione). The pass in the Lepontine Alps between Switzerland and Italy connects the city of Brig in the canton of Valais with Domodossola in Piedmont. The pass was used as part of a trade route between the two countries since the early middle ages. The present view may show the road following Napoleon's reconstructions in order for his artillery to use the pass. The Simplon Tunnel was built beneath the vicinity of the pass in the early 20th century to carry rail traffic between the two countries.

We would like to thank Michiel Jonker for confirming the attribution of the present lot.