Construction of the Bridge over the Irtysh River in Semipalatinsk

Description

Author: Bolkoyev, Feodor. 1886-1965
An industrial landscape depicting the large-scale construction of a major metal bridge spanning a wide river. The horizontally extended composition is organized in tiers: in the foreground is a water surface with boats and steamships, wooden rafts near the shore, and small figures of people; in the centre, the horizontal strip of the unfinished bridge is interrupted and finds its continuation in the outlines of the urban buildings in the distance. The sun hides behind the city, scattering a warm yellow light across the blue sky. The painting manner is restrained, featuring a soft atmospheric haze and a generalized treatment of forms. In the lower right corner - signature and date.