Brug over de Waalseilandgracht, ter hoogte van de Oude Waal c. 1886s

This quick sketch of the bridge over the Waalseilandgracht near the Oude Waal was made by George Hendrik Breitner in the late 19th or early 20th century. The bridge, a motif often symbolizing transition and connection, appears here not as a grand architectural statement, but as a utilitarian structure embedded in the urban landscape. Consider the bridge as a symbolic echo of ancient Roman aqueducts, structures that similarly facilitated the flow of resources and sustained urban life. This idea resurfaces in the Renaissance, where bridges are seen as arteries of commerce and culture, connecting disparate parts of the city. Here, Breitner is using very quick strokes of the pencil to portray the essence of this symbol. The bridge as a motif can also be viewed through a psychoanalytic lens as a symbol of overcoming obstacles. It engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, prompting reflection on their own journeys. This humble bridge is a testament to the enduring human impulse to connect.