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Looking under the Bridge

John Varley

1810

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Looking under the Bridge is a 1810 graphite by John Varley, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Varley
When & what style?: 1810 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting shows a serene scene of a boat on a river, viewed through an arched stone bridge. The boat, with its sail down, is moored to the bridge's edge, while another boat with people is visible in the distance. The bridge's arch frames the tranquil river scene, with a cityscape in the background. The painting's use of watercolor over graphite on wove paper creates a soft, dreamy quality, characteristic of Romanticism. The artist's attention to detail in the bridge's stonework and the boats adds depth to the scene. The painting is a beautiful example of Romanticism, and for more works in this style, you can explore the movement: Romanticism.