"Solemnity"

Jungfrau – Aletsch (CH)

photogravure

Important representative of the American pictorialism. Fassbender was born in Germany and time and again returned to the Black Forest or Tyrol to take pictures.
(Fritz Simak)

A huge green-black tree formation like a giant wave seemed to pile up against the transparent pale blue mountain sides far in the distance. A carpet of the most vivid green grass lay at my feet. Such was the majestic setting that spread before me high in this mountain pass in Switzerland. A drop of 4,000 feet fell behind the trees in the distance. The mysterious haze, characteristic of the Swiss Alps, makes one feel transported to a different world. Ghostly white, and murky grey clouds constantly try to scale the mountain-tops, shrouding the glorious Jungfrau now invisible in the distance. The everchanging shapes and colors of the scenery stir the imagination, and one can watch this breathtaking spectacle of solemnity for hours on end without tiring.
Composition:
A rhythm of gigantic proportions, the huge waves stretch in a horizontal movement. Careful treatment of tone in the dominant masses is the outstanding feature of this composition. Whereas these masses emphasize the Drama of the scene, the pleasing curves of horizontal lines lend charm and grace to the composition.
Technical Problems:
Texture had to be introduced to strengthen the heaviness of the atmosphere. Disturbing detail in sky, trees and foreground was subdued to recreate the simplicity of the actual scene. Counter movement in the sky was slightly emphasized by removing unnecessary clouds with retouching.
Data:
Camera: Makina 2 ¼ x 3 ¼
Lens: Anticomar
Stop: f.8
Film: Agfa Super Plenachrome
Exposure: 1/25 in hand
Transparency: 8x10 Eastman Commercial
Paper Negative: 14x17 Velour Black L
Print: Defender Velour Black
(Adolf Fassbender, 1937)