Manhattan Bridge New York 1933

Here we see Herman Meyer’s 1933 etching, "Manhattan Bridge, New York," a testament to modernity. The bridge itself looms as a primary symbol. It is the modern arch, reminiscent of triumphal arches of antiquity, but now rendered in steel. These arches once celebrated military victory, but here they represent human ingenuity and industrial progress. This modern bridge is like the Tower of Babel, reaching towards the heavens, but instead of divine wrath, it inspires awe. Consider, too, the dark, silhouetted figures in the foreground: rowers in a boat, a direct reference to Charon ferrying souls across the river Styx. The artist evokes themes of passage and transition, reflecting the psychological weight of urban life. The bridge, initially a symbol of human triumph, becomes a poignant reminder of our continuous journey through time, echoing through centuries.