Paper

Student Artwork Guide

High Bridge

Name Class Date

Ernest Lawson, High Bridge (1928). Public domain.

The facts

Artist
Ernest Lawson topimpressionists.com/en/artists/ernest-lawson/
Artist’s dates
1873 – 1939
Painted
1928
Original size
76 x 91 cm

In context

High Bridge — Ernest Lawson

How big is it?

The original measures 76 × 91 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1870
  2. 1880
  3. 1890
  4. 1900
  5. 1910
  6. 1920
  7. 1930

Shaded: the lifetime of Ernest Lawson (1873–1939) ▲ this work, 1928

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/ernest-lawson-high-bridge-AS7TDH-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Putty #c8c3b9

    Catalogued palette

    • #C8C3B9
    • #353330
    • #A09B93
    • #6F6559
    Palette
    Neutrals The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Putty
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Softly Mixed Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Bright How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    About this artwork

    High Bridge — Ernest Lawson

    The painting High Bridge by Ernest Lawson is a stunning representation of a town situated on the side of a river with a bridge spanning across it. Created in 1928, this oil on canvas piece measures 76 x 91 cm and showcases the artist's skillful depiction of urban life intertwined with nature.

    Composition and Details

    The scene features a large body of water with several boats floating in it, as well as a bustling town with numerous people scattered throughout the painting. The combination of the river, bridge, boats, people, and buildings creates a captivating scene that showcases the beauty of this picturesque location.

    The High Bridge painting is reminiscent of other works by Ernest Lawson, such as High Bridge - Early Moon, which can be found at /art/list/?Filter=D3XV3X-Ernest-Lawson-High-Bridge-Early-Moon. This painting is a beautiful example of American Impressionism and showcases the artist's ability to capture the beauty of urban landscapes.

    Artist and Style

    Ernest Lawson was an American painter known for his landscapes and cityscapes. His style is characterized by the use of bold colors and brushstrokes, which can be seen in High Bridge. The painting is a great example of Impressionist art, with its focus on capturing the fleeting moments of modern life.

    Some notable museums that feature Ernest Lawson's work include the Detroit Historical Museum, which can be found at /art/list/?Filter=A@D3BQ3Z-Discovering-the-Detroit-Historical-Museum-(Detroit-United-States).

    Visit https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/Ernest-Lawson to view more of Ernest Lawson's artwork, including High Bridge.

    Learn more about the Detroit Historical Museum and its collection at /art/list/?Filter=A@D3BQ3Z-Discovering-the-Detroit-Historical-Museum-(Detroit-United-States).

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Ernest Lawson

    Born in Halifax, Canada

    early life and training

    ernest lawson, a prominent figure in the american impressionist movement, was born on march 22, 1873, in halifax, nova scotia, canada. in 1888, he moved to the united states, settling in kansas city, and later, in 1891, he made his way to new york, where he enrolled in classes at the art students league. under the tutelage of john twachtman, lawson was introduced to impressionism, which would significantly influence his formative years.

    artistic development and influences

    lawson's style, characterized by a blend of impressionism and realism, was shaped by his interactions with various artists. he studied at the académie julian in paris in 1893, where he met jean-joseph benjamin-constant and jean-paul laurens. his plein air painting experiences in southern france and moret-sur-loing, where he encountered alfred sisley, an english impressionist, further enriched his artistic perspective.

    the eight and notable exhibitions

    in 1908, lawson joined the eight, a group of artists protesting the narrow tastes and restrictive exhibition policies of the national academy of design. this association led to a pivotal exhibition at the macbeth galleries in new york, which garnered significant media attention and sparked debate about the diversity of style and subject matter in american art.

    city suburbs, one of lawson's notable works, is now part of the phillips collection in washington, d.c., showcasing his unique blend of impressionism and realism. (view at AllPaintingsStore)

    another piece, approaching storm, also in the phillips collection, demonstrates lawson's mastery of capturing the essence of american landscapes. (view at AllPaintingsStore)

    for more on ernest lawson and his contributions to american impressionism, visit his page on AllPaintingsStore.

    legacy and impact

    lawson's understated yet vibrant style, described by art critic james gibbons huneker as originating from a "palette of crushed jewels," has left an indelible mark on american art. his participation in the eight and his unique artistic approach have made him a notable figure in the history of impressionism. key points: born: march 22, 1873, halifax, nova scotia, canada died: december 18, 1939 notable works: city suburbs, approaching storm influences: john twachtman, jean-joseph benjamin-constant, alfred sisley association: the eight style: blend of impressionism and realism

    Where to read more

    • The artist Ernest Lawson topimpressionists.com/en/artists/ernest-lawson/
    • Similar works More works to compare topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/ernest-lawson-high-bridge-AS7TDH-en/

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for High Bridge

    topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/ernest-lawson-high-bridge-AS7TDH-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Lawson, Ernest. High Bridge. 1928, https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/ernest-lawson-high-bridge-AS7TDH-en/
    APA
    Lawson, Ernest (1928). High Bridge [Painting]. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/ernest-lawson-high-bridge-AS7TDH-en/
    Chicago
    Ernest Lawson. High Bridge. 1928. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/ernest-lawson-high-bridge-AS7TDH-en/
    Harvard
    Lawson, Ernest (1928) High Bridge. Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/ernest-lawson-high-bridge-AS7TDH-en/

    Look closely

    High Bridge — Ernest Lawson

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Washington Bridge, Harlem River (1915), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. Ernest Lawson was about 55 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.