Artwork

The Living Stream at London Bridge - On the Bridge

The Living Stream at London Bridge - On the Bridge, by George Louis Palmella Busson Du Maurier, 1863
The Living Stream at London Bridge - On the Bridge, by George Louis Palmella Busson Du Maurier, 1863

The Living Stream at London Bridge - On the Bridge is a print by the Impressionist artist George Louis Palmella Busson Du Maurier. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

George Louis Palmella Busson du Maurier created *The Living Stream at London Bridge - On the Bridge* in 1863, a print capturing the vibrant atmosphere of London Bridge during the Victorian era.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays a diverse crowd on London Bridge, highlighting the social spectrum of the time through varying attire, from top hats to casual wear, set against identifiable landmarks like the 'London Bridge' sign and a lamppost.

Technique & Style

Du Maurier employed chiaroscuro, leveraging strong contrasts between light and dark to achieve depth and guide the viewer's eye through the composition, aligning with Realist principles.

History & Provenance

Now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, this piece exemplifies du Maurier's contribution to Realism, contrasting with his later, more renowned literary career (*Peter Ibbetson*, *Trilby*).

Context

Created amidst du Maurier's involvement with the Victorian artistic and literary scene (notably with *Punch*), the piece reflects the era's urban dynamism.

Legacy

While du Maurier is more famously remembered for his novels, *The Living Stream at London Bridge - On the Bridge* stands as a notable example of Victorian-era Realist art, highlighting everyday life.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.