The Arch of the Bridge, plate 6 from Le Fleuve

The Arch of the Bridge, plate 6 from Le Fleuve is a pivotal print created by Édouard Manet in 1874. This remarkable work was conceived as part of a published portfolio illustrating poems written by Charles Cros, titled Le Fleuve. Manet demonstrates his technical mastery by combining three demanding intaglio techniques: etching for defining lines, drypoint for velvety burrs, and aquatint to achieve rich, textured areas of tone. This experimental synthesis of media, rendered in black on ivory laid paper, allowed the artist to move beyond simple illustration toward a moodier, more atmospheric interpretation of the subject.

The composition centers on the monumental structure of a bridge arch, utilizing the dark waters below to frame the curving stonework above. This subtle depiction of urban infrastructure reflects the visual concerns of Impressionist-era France. The success of the project relied on the collaboration with renowned printers Auguste Delâtre and Cochet, whose expertise was essential in executing the delicate tonal shifts that make this piece unique. Published jointly by Librairie de l’eau-forte and Richard Lesclide, this edition helped reaffirm the status of artistic prints in 19th-century French culture. Manet’s sophisticated handling of light and form makes The Arch of the Bridge an essential component of the artist’s graphic oeuvre. This historically significant work, a crucial example within the classification of fine art prints, is currently housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.