Sketches at Lausanne

Arnold William Brunner's architectural sketches capture a medieval tower fortress perched above water, rendered in ink with architectural precision. The composition shows the structure from multiple angles—the tower's crenellated top and stacked chambers dominate the upper portion, while the lower half details foundation work and water defenses. Brunner's notation system and linear perspective demonstrate the observational methods of late 19th-century architectural study. These sketches exemplify how American architects of this era engaged with European medieval fortifications, combining practical building knowledge with picturesque composition. The dated notations and working annotations reveal the artist's process of recording architectural details for reference and design purposes.