Mending the Bridge 1916

"Mending the Bridge" is a 1916 etching by American artist Philip Little (1857-1942), currently housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The print, rendered in black and white, depicts a bridge under construction, with the skeletal frame rising against a cloudy sky. Little’s masterful use of line and shading creates a sense of depth and movement, drawing the viewer's eye across the scene. This intimate work, with its focus on the quiet labor of rebuilding, speaks to the themes of resilience and renewal often found in Little's art. The etching is a testament to the artist's skill in capturing the beauty of everyday scenes with nuanced detail and sensitivity.