“Brown and Silver: Old Battersea Bridge,” an oil on canvas painting completed by James McNeill Whistler in 1859, is a notable piece within the Realism art movement. The artwork, which measures 76.2 by 63.5 centimeters, is classified under the cityscape genre.
The artwork depicts an expansive view of Old Battersea Bridge, showcasing its structure as it stretches across a wide body of water. The bridge itself, rendered in muted tones of brown and silver, is bustling with activity as depicted by the presence of numerous figures and vehicles traversing it. The river reflects the subdued, almost atmospheric quality of light that pervades the scene. On the near shore, a group of individuals is engaged with a small boat, their activities adding a lively human element to the composition. The distant shore glimpses industrial buildings and structures against a hazy sky, further emphasizing the urban nature of the scene. Whistler’s attention to detail and the tranquility of the moment encapsulated in “Brown and Silver: Old Battersea Bridge” reinforces its standing as a dignified representation of the Realism movement.
