1803
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
A Selection of Twenty of the Most Picturesque Views in Paris: The Water Mill above the Bridge at Charenton is a 1803 by Girtin, a Romanticism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This picture shows a quiet riverside scene with a small wooden bridge and a water mill perched above it. The mill has a red roof and sits on stilts over the water, while a few houses with red roofs cluster nearby. A boat rests on the riverbank, and the sky is soft with light clouds. The colors are muted, with earthy greens, browns, and pale blues. The artist focused on the peaceful details—like the lone figure near the houses and the way the water reflects the sky. This was made as part of a series about Parisian views, though it looks more like a countryside spot. Check out Romanticism to see how artists used nature to spark big emotions.
Thomas Girtin (18 February 1775 – 9 November 1802) was an English watercolourist and etcher. A friend and rival of J. M. W. Turner, Girtin played a key role in establishing watercolour as a reputable art form.
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