Gezicht onder een brug 1773 - 1843

Georges Michel created this small pencil drawing, "Gezicht onder een brug", its size reminiscent of a notebook sketch. The composition, a view under a bridge, is framed by rough, sketchy lines. The subdued tonality contributes to a sense of quiet introspection, inviting the viewer into this humble corner of the world. Michel’s interest lies not in the grandeur of the bridge, but the space beneath. His structuralist approach emphasizes the underlying framework of the scene: a series of arches and supports defines the space, echoed in the linear strokes forming the image. Semiotically, the bridge itself can be read as a sign, representing a connection between two points, while the sheltered space below speaks to enclosure. Notice how Michel uses the repetitive lines of the bridge's structure to explore how built environments shape our perception. It prompts reflection on how we, as interpreters, engage with spaces that mediate between transit and pause, between the seen and unseen.