Artwork
Little Devil's Bridge
Little Devil's Bridge is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Turner. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Charles Turner's 'Little Devil's Bridge' is a print made using etching and mezzotint techniques in 1809. It depicts a dramatic mountain landscape with a stone bridge.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows a rocky river valley with a small arch bridge crossing a gorge, surrounded by steep cliffs and gnarled trees. A small figure is present on the bridge, set against a backdrop of mist and shadows.
Technique & Style
The artist achieved depth and a sense of wildness through fine lines and shading, characteristic of etching and mezzotint. The use of these techniques creates a detailed, high-contrast image.
Context
The title indicates the scene is 'Little Devil's Bridge over the Russ above Altdorf, Swiss', suggesting a specific geographical inspiration. The work is related to Charles Turner's collaboration with J. M. W. Turner on the 'Liber Studiorum' project.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Turner (31 August 1774 – 1 August 1857) was an English engraver and draughtsman who specialised in portraiture. He collaborated with J. M. W. Turner (to whom he was not related) on the early plates of the same's Liber Studiorum.
