1983.20.1
On the Brooklyn Bridge Facing Manhattan
Artist
John Marin
(Rutherford, New Jersey, 1870 - 1953, Cape Split, Maine)
Title
On the Brooklyn Bridge Facing Manhattan
Creation Date
ca. 1912-1913
Century
early 20th century
Dimensions
10 in. x 7 15/16 in. (25.4 cm x 20.16 cm)
Object Type
drawing
Creation Place
North America, United States
Medium and Support
graphite on off-white laid paper
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John Marin, Jr.
Copyright
This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s
Copyright Terms and Conditions.
Accession Number
1983.20.1
John Marin had worked in the field of architecture until Alfred Stieglitz encouraged him in 1909 to turn to art full-time. Marin was captivated by the Brooklyn Bridge and featured it in many of his New York views. This drawing reveals how Marin developed a crystalline pictorial structure out of the angles, lines, and sheer magnitude of the bridge, echoing Cubist innovations. Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge epitomizes the technical advancements of the modern era, requiring feats of engineering as well as the application of new materials and construction techniques. Moreover, this drawing celebrates the dynamism and energy of the modern metropolis. Discussing his work in the journal Camera Work, Marin said that he tried to “express graphically what a great city is doing. Within the frames there must be a balance, a controlling of these warring, pushing, pulling forces.”
