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Artwork

Dresden from the Right Bank of the Elbe above the Augustus Bridge

Bernardo Bellotto , 1750

Dresden from the Right Bank of the Elbe above the Augustus Bridge is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Bernardo Bellotto. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The Augustus Bridge, a notable structure spanning the Elbe, anchors the scene, emphasizing the city’s urban and cultural identity during the mid-18th century.

The painting depicts a panoramic view of Dresden as seen from the right bank of the Elbe River, positioned above the Augustus Bridge. The composition captures the architectural landmarks of the city, including the Baroque skyline with the Dresden Frauenkirche and the spire of the Dresden Castle prominently visible. The Augustus Bridge, a notable structure spanning the Elbe, anchors the scene, emphasizing the city’s urban and cultural identity during the mid-18th century.

The work reflects the topographical and historical significance of Dresden, serving as a visual record of the city’s layout and architectural heritage before later wartime destruction. Bellotto’s rendering underscores the interplay between nature and urban development, with the river and bridge symbolizing connectivity and the city as a flourishing center of art and power.

Technique & Style

Bernardo Bellotto's Dresden from the Right Bank of the Elbe above the Augustus Bridge is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard medium for cityscape paintings of the mid-18th century. Created in 1750, the work measures 51.5 cm in height and 84 cm in width. As a cityscape, the painting captures the architectural and topographical details of Dresden, specifically focusing on the Elbe River and the Augustus Bridge from the right bank.

The handling of the oil medium allows for the precise rendering of the urban environment characteristic of Bellotto's veduta style.

History & Provenance

Bernardo Bellotto executed this oil painting on canvas in 1750. The work depicts a cityscape of Dresden, specifically viewing the Augustus Bridge and the Elbe River from the right bank. Historical records indicate that the painting was once owned by B. Narischkine. It currently resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

The cityscape painting is held by the National Gallery of Ireland, where it is listed under accession number NGI.1949.1. It entered the collection through the ownership of B. Narischkine. The work has been part of the gallery’s exhibitions, including a 2018 showcase of Bernardo Bellotto’s European cityscapes.

Overview

Bernardo Bellotto's oil painting, Dresden from the Right Bank of the Elbe above the Augustus Bridge, dates to around 1750. It captures a serene cityscape of Dresden, focusing on the Elbe River, Augustus Bridge, and the city's skyline.

Context

Augustus Bridge, the central element, was a significant connector in Dresden, facilitating trade and movement. Bellotto's perspective from the right bank highlights the bridge's role in linking the city's expanses.

Legacy

While specific influence or notable exhibitions are not highlighted, the painting remains a valued example of 18th-century European cityscape art, offering insights into Dresden's pre-industrial landscape and Bellotto's observational skill.

Dresden from the Right Bank of the Elbe, above the Augustusbrücke, Bernardo Bellotto

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Artist & collection

Artist

Bernardo Bellotto

Bernardo Bellotto, was an Italian urban landscape painter or vedutista, and printmaker in etching famous for his vedute of European cities – Dresden, Vienna, Turin, and Warsaw.