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Brooklyn Bridge

Charles A. Platt

1888

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Brooklyn Bridge is a 1888 ink by Charles A. Platt, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Charles A. Platt
When & what style?: 1888 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a busy harbor with two ships. One is a big, old-fashioned sailing vessel tied to the dock, its ropes and masts tangled in dark lines. The other is a smaller steamboat floating nearby. In the background, a long bridge stretches across the water, connecting two landmasses. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show movement and light. The paper has a warm, slightly rough texture, matching the gritty feel of the harbor scene. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this one create detailed prints with acid and metal plates.