Artwork
Construction of an Elevated Railway: Bridge over the Cours de Vincennes
Construction of an Elevated Railway: Bridge over the Cours de Vincennes is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Paul Désiré Trouillebert. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting depicts the elevated railway bridge over the Cours de Vincennes in eastern Paris, completed in February 1889.
- Accession no.
- 1980.289
- Credit line
- Bequest of Noah L. Butkin
About this work
Overview
This painting depicts the elevated railway bridge over the Cours de Vincennes in eastern Paris, completed in February 1889. The work captures a pivotal moment in Paris' infrastructure development, showcasing a solution to the safety concerns posed by railway crossings.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is the newly constructed elevated railway bridge over Cours de Vincennes, a formerly hazardous intersection. The painting highlights the engineering response to the safety challenges of integrating railways into urban landscapes.
Technique & Style
The artist, Trouillebert, employed chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, to visually emphasize the bridge's structure and its integration into the urban environment. This technique adds depth and highlights the modernity of the infrastructure.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by Edme Piot, a public works contractor, this painting is one of a series of five depicting Paris' railway construction. Trouillebert shifted his focus from portraits to landscapes and everyday scenes around 1881.
Context
The painting reflects the late 19th-century transformation of Paris under Napoleon III, where industrial and architectural innovations aimed to enhance safety and efficiency. The elevated railway was a key part of this urban renewal.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of this painting on art history are not detailed, it serves as a historical document of Paris' infrastructural development during a period of significant urban change.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Désiré Trouillebert (1829 in Paris, France – 28 June 1900 in Paris, France) was a prominent French Barbizon School painter of the mid to late nineteenth century, with works in a wide range of museums and public…
