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Harlem River at High Bridge
ca. 1915
Artwork Viewer
The Canadian American artist Ernest Lawson was affiliated with The Eight, a group of New York City artists who pio- neered a new style of urban realism. Here he depicted the High Bridge, New York City’s oldest, which was opened in 1848. Modeled on ancient Roman aqueducts, it became a destination for New Yorkers who enjoyed strolling along its pedestrian walkway.Â
Using thick, broken brushstrokes, Lawson described a land- scape that appears devoid of people. Yet references to urban leisure abound, including views of Highbridge Park, the Harlem River Speedway, a boathouse, and a ferry landing. Juxtaposing industrial and urban scenes with rural elements, Lawson alludes to the tensions between nature and culture at the heart of modern life.
- Artist
- Ernest Lawson (1873-1939)
- Title
- Harlem River at High Bridge
- Date
- ca. 1915
- Place of Creation
- United States
- Object Type
- Painting
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Dimensions
- 25 1/4 x 31 1/2 in. (64.135 x 80.01 cm) Framed: 30 x 37 3/8 in. (76.2 x 94.933 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Harry William and Diana Vernon Hind
- Accession Number
- 78.63.2
