The artwork titled “River at the bridge of the three sources” was created by artist Paul Cézanne in 1906. Cézanne, one of the prominent figures leading towards the development of modern art, executed this piece using watercolor on paper. It measures 41 x 53 cm and is categorized as a landscape. Although the artwork is said to be associated with the Cubism art movement, it should be noted that Cézanne’s work profoundly influenced the movement, which was formalized later by artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.
In the artwork, viewers are presented with a composition that captures the essence of a natural landscape through the interplay of color and form. One can observe the bridge arching across the field of vision, juxtaposed against what appears to be reflections and ripples in the water below. The use of watercolor allows for a translucency and blending of hues that seem to mimic the fluidity of the river and the foliage surrounding it. Brushstrokes vary from light dabs to more pronounced lines, suggesting movement and texture within the scene.
The palette consists of a range of earthy tones, greens, yellows, and hints of reds and purples, creating a sense of warmth and richness. Despite the fluidity of the medium, there is an architectural solidity to how the bridge is represented. This contrasts with the more fleeting and ephemeral depiction of the natural elements. Shadows and light are suggested rather than clearly defined, allowing for an interpretation of space that is simultaneously flat and deep, a characteristic quality that foreshadows the deconstructed forms typical in Cubism. In sum, the artwork is an exploration of the landscape through the transformative lens of Cézanne’s evolving style, which would eventually leave a lasting mark on the trajectory of modern art.
