As the oldest bridge over the Main River in Würzburg, the Alte Mainbrücke (Old Main Bridge) is a landmark of the city. Construction began in 1476 and was not completed until 1703. In his painting, however, Grossberg decided not to paint the bridge with its statues of saints – the actual attraction – but rather the bridgehead. This was originally a defensive structure.
In the 1928 painting, the bridgehead dominates all other motifs, while the bridge itself is cut off quite rigorously to the left of the picture's edge. The sky is a monochrome blue, and warm colours dominate the overall impression. Although the scene appears to be set in the middle of the day, judging by the position of the sun, there are no people, as is often the case in Grossberg's works. This gives the otherwise cheerful picture an almost eerie atmosphere.
As well as the striking viewer's perspective, which omits most of the bridge, the shadows are an interesting feature. They fall as dark areas on the buildings with hard lines, adding another dimension to the intricate situation below the bridgehead.
A precise preliminary sketch of the painting has been preserved.
Further Media
- Location & Dating
- 1928
- Material & Technique
- Öl auf Sperrholz
- Dimensions
- 60 x 50 cm
- Museum
- Museum im Kulturspeicher Würzburg
- Inventory number
- X26.109