Brooklyn Bridge #6 (Swaying) 1913

John Marin created “Brooklyn Bridge #6 (Swaying)” as an etching sometime in the early 20th century, a period marked by rapid urbanization and industrial growth in America. Marin, part of the modern art movement, captured the emotional tempo of New York City. Here, the Brooklyn Bridge isn't just steel and concrete; it's alive, almost vibrating with energy. Marin uses dynamic, broken lines to express movement, reflecting the cultural shift of the time towards embracing modernity and change. The bridge, a symbol of connection and progress, is depicted with such personal intensity, one can feel the city's pulse and its impact on the individual. Marin sought to express the sensation of the city rather than a literal depiction. His perspective embraces an alternative narrative, moving away from traditional representations to embrace emotional and subjective experiences. This work encapsulates a pivotal moment where art began to reflect internal states and the dynamism of modern life, inviting us to consider how we experience and are shaped by our environments.