High Level Bridge Over Harlem 1936

William J. Scott created this print, "High Level Bridge Over Harlem," sometime in the early twentieth century. The stark contrast of light and shadow immediately grabs your attention. The monumental arches frame a distant cityscape, drawing the eye through layers of space. Scott’s technique is fascinating. Look at how he uses etched lines to define form and texture. The varying densities of lines create depth, guiding our perception of space and form. The bridge, a symbol of connection, is rendered as a massive, almost oppressive structure. This reflects the anxieties and the awe associated with modernity. The figures below seem dwarfed by the bridge, hinting at the impact of urban development on the individual. Consider the semiotic implications here: the bridge as a signifier of progress, yet simultaneously a barrier, dividing spaces. Scott's work prompts us to question the relationship between technological advancement and human experience.