The artwork entitled “Bridge and Waterfall at Pontoise” is a seminal piece by Paul Cézanne, created in 1881. Exhibiting the distinctive strokes and evolving style of the Post-Impressionist movement, the painting was executed using oil on canvas. Despite its historical significance, the artwork is part of a private collection and thus not on public display.
The artwork presents a serene landscape scene capturing a bridge spanning across a calm river, with a waterfall gently disrupting the water’s flow. In the foreground, Cézanne gives viewers a lush depiction of the river bank, characterized by an array of green tones and dynamic, textured brushwork that gives the foliage a vibrant, almost quivering quality. The central focus is the stone bridge, rendered with architectural solidity and precision, yet integrated into the landscape through a harmonious color palette. Above, the sky is a tapestry of soft, muted colors, suggesting either a tranquil morning or the mellow light of early evening. The background features a gentle rise of land with buildings that are simplified into geometric forms, hinting at the influence of Cézanne’s work on the development of Cubism. The reflections in the water are executed with loose, flowing brushstrokes that capture the play of light on the surface, completing a composition that is both a study of nature and an exploration of painting technique.
