“Waterloo Bridge” is a cityscape painting by André Derain, created in 1906, capturing the vibrancy and dynamism of London’s famous bridge over the Thames River. This painting is a fine example of the Divisionism and Neo-Impressionism art movements and currently resides in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork is characterized by its use of bright, contrasting colors and the application of paint in distinct, separated strokes that blend at a distance to create the image. The color palette is diverse, predominantly featuring blues, greens, yellows, and pinks, expressing the light and atmosphere of the scene rather than the physical accuracy of the bridge and its surroundings. The bridge stretches across the composition, serving as a central point of convergence over the shimmering water, which reflects the kaleidoscopic sky. The sky is depicted with warm yellow tones suggesting the sun’s presence, transitioning to cooler tones to imply the extent of the atmosphere. The composition altogether conveys the impression of light and movement, capturing a moment in time at the bustling heart of London.
