The artwork “Sevres Bridge” is a cityscape painting by the French artist Henri Rousseau, created in the year 1895. It is executed in oil on canvas and reflects the Naïve Art movement, sometimes referred to as Primitivism, which is characterized by a childlike simplicity and frankness in its visual rendering. Currently, this artwork is a part of a private collection.
“Sevres Bridge” portrays a seemingly tranquil, overcast scene focused on the stone bridge itself, which crosses the composition diagonally. The vantage point is such that the viewer looks through the arch of the bridge, capturing the peaceful environment beyond it. This framing creates a sense of depth, leading the eye to a countryside setting with a gentle river, houses nestled in greenery, and another bridge in the distance.
The foreground of the artwork is dominated by the robust, textured arch and the surrounding foliage. A street lamp stands atop the bridge—a sole sentinel over the scene. Below, a solitary figure adds a sense of scale and humanity to the composition. The artist’s palette is muted, consisting of earthen tones that suggest a quiet, perhaps overcast day. Henri Rousseau’s attention to detail, combined with his self-taught technique, imbues the scene with a certain dreamlike quality that is typical of his approach to painting.
