Columbian Exposition, Chicago 1892

Childe Hassam created this artwork, Columbian Exposition, Chicago, utilizing watercolor. Note the prominent symbol of the bridge, a recurring motif that dates back to ancient Rome, often signifying connection, transition, and the bridging of divides, be they physical or metaphorical. The bridge, laden with figures, becomes a path—a conduit for dreams and ambitions. Consider its presence throughout history, from the Ponte Vecchio in Florence to the Brooklyn Bridge, each a testament to human ingenuity and the aspiration to overcome obstacles. The bridge here, adorned with fin-de-siècle visitors, is not just a structure but a stage upon which society parades its aspirations. The Columbian Exposition, conceived as a celebration of progress, is viewed through the lens of the bridge—a symbol of hope, but also of the inherent tensions between past and future, promise and reality. Observe how the bridge guides our eye, inviting us to reflect on the forces that shape our collective destiny.