The Bridge, Avignon

Print

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The Art & History Museums of Maitland

J. André Smith (American, 1880–1959), "The Bridge, Avignon", n.d. Etching on paper.: This etching by J. André Smith depicts a monumental stone bridge in Avignon, France, its sweeping arches and imposing architectural forms dominating the composition. A large archway frames a small boat along the river, while a fortified structure rises above the bridge on the right. In this work, Smith employed dense cross-hatching, strong geometric forms, and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow to emphasize the bridge's mass and architectural character. The composition is particularly striking in its use of simplified forms and angular passages of light, which transform the historic structure into an arrangement of intersecting curves, vertical lines, and darkened planes. While rooted in architectural observation, the etching demonstrates Smith's interest in the expressive possibilities of line, tonal contrast, and spatial abstraction.
J. André Smith (American, 1880–1959), "The Bridge, Avignon", n.d. Etching on paper.

This etching by J. André Smith depicts a monumental stone bridge in Avignon, France, its sweeping arches and imposing architectural forms dominating the composition. A large archway frames a small boat along the river, while a fortified structure rises above the bridge on the right. In this work, Smith employed dense cross-hatching, strong geometric forms, and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow to emphasize the bridge's mass and architectural character. The composition is particularly striking in its use of simplified forms and angular passages of light, which transform the historic structure into an arrangement of intersecting curves, vertical lines, and darkened planes. While rooted in architectural observation, the etching demonstrates Smith's interest in the expressive possibilities of line, tonal contrast, and spatial abstraction.

Name/Title

The Bridge, Avignon

Entry/Object ID

2013.15

Description

This etching by J. André Smith depicts a monumental stone bridge in Avignon, France, its sweeping arches and imposing architectural forms dominating the composition. A large archway frames a small boat along the river, while a fortified structure rises above the bridge on the right. In this work, Smith employed dense cross-hatching, strong geometric forms, and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow to emphasize the bridge's mass and architectural character. The composition is particularly striking in its use of simplified forms and angular passages of light, which transform the historic structure into an arrangement of intersecting curves, vertical lines, and darkened planes. While rooted in architectural observation, the etching demonstrates Smith's interest in the expressive possibilities of line, tonal contrast, and spatial abstraction.

Type of Print

Etching

Artwork Details

Medium

Etching on paper

Subject Place

Country

France

Region

Western Europe

Continent

Europe

Collection

Smith Collection (MAA)

Cataloged By

Katie Benson

Acquisition

Accession

2013.04

Source or Donor

Peter Banca

Made/Created

Artist

J. André Smith