Who painted The Bridge?

The Bridge was painted by Jacob Maris in 1879-01-01.

Where can I see The Bridge?

The Bridge is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is The Bridge?

The Bridge is associated with Impressionism.

The Bridge by Jacob Maris (1879) · Meaning & Museum

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work captures the atmosphere of the setting through its focus on the interplay between the built environment and the natural elements of the water and sky.

Jacob Maris's 1890 painting, The Bridge, is a cityscape that centers on a bridge structure spanning a waterway. The composition depicts specific elements including boats navigating the water, houses lining the banks, and a sky filled with clouds. These components combine to create a scene of daily urban life and river activity.

The work captures the atmosphere of the setting through its focus on the interplay between the built environment and the natural elements of the water and sky.

Technique & Style

The Bridge is an oil painting on canvas created by Jacob Maris in 1890. The work measures 42 cm in height and 73.5 cm in width, placing it within the cityscape genre. Maris employs an oil-on-canvas technique, rendering a scene that includes a bridge, a house, a boat, sky and clouds.

The painting is associated with the collections of the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, with the Rijksmuseum recorded as its current location. Its formal qualities are defined by the compositional balance of architectural and natural elements, reflecting the cityscape genre of the period.

History & Provenance

Jacob Maris executed the oil painting The Bridge in 1890. Created on a canvas support, the work measures 42 cm in height and 73.5 cm in width. The piece is classified as a cityscape and depicts a scene containing a bridge, houses, boats, and a sky with clouds.

The painting is held within the collections of major Dutch institutions, with current records indicating its location at the Rijksmuseum.

While some records also associate the work with the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, its primary location is identified as the Rijksmuseum. The provided sources do not contain specific inventory or accession numbers for the piece, nor do they list any exhibitions in which the work has been displayed.

Overview

Jacob Maris, a prominent figure of the Hague School, completed The Bridge in 1890. This oil painting exemplifies his focus on Dutch landscapes and urban environments. The work captures a tranquil canal scene, featuring a small wooden bridge and everyday activity, reflecting the artist's interest in atmospheric depictions of his homeland. It is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum collection.

Context

As a leading member of the Hague School, Jacob Maris significantly shaped Dutch painting during the late 19th century. His oeuvre frequently explored the characteristic light and weather conditions of the Dutch countryside and cityscapes. The Bridge fits within this broader artistic output, showcasing his characteristic ability to evoke the specific mood and character of the local environment.

Landscape with Bridge, Jean Baptiste Camille Corot

Artist & collection

Artist

Jacob Maris

Jacob Henricus Maris (August 25, 1837 – August 7, 1899) was a Dutch painter, who with his brothers Willem and Matthijs belonged to what has come to be known as the Hague School of painters.