Before attending several art schools in England, Compton began to study nature in 1863 to teach himself the art of painting. At the age of 18, he moved to Darmstadt with his family. In July 1868, Compton had a profound experience on a family trip to the Bernese Oberland. While crossing Lake Thun, with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains appearing through the clearing fog like a vision, the young man made the spontaneous decision to become a mountain painter. Thanks to this pivotal experience, the artist returned time and again. The watercolor painting on offer here is a portrayal of this exceptionally beautiful spot. The Jungfrau peak is the third highest mountain in the Bernese Alps and part of the distinctive “Triumvirate”. For this watercolor, the artist chose a vantage point from the adjacent mountain with a view of the Jungfrau looming on the horizon. A shroud of mist envelops the mountain range and the sky is painted a light shade of grey. White paint adds nuance to the steep mountains in places where sunlight is reflected. [JG]