Le Pont Neuf, Paris

About this work

This etching shows a busy Paris bridge packed with people and boats. The buildings on either side are tall, with lots of windows and chimneys puffing smoke. The river below is full of small rowboats, and the whole scene looks detailed but a little dark. The artist used a sharp, scratchy style to show every tiny part of the bridge and water. This was made in 1853, when artists were starting to focus on real-life scenes instead of fancy ideas. Look up etching to see how artists like this made their marks.