Bridge Across Singapore River, 1978
Description
watercolour on paper
52 x 72 cm
The bridge depicted here structurally resembles Read Bridge at Clarke Quay, however, artistic liberty appears to have been taken in transforming the single-lantern lamp posts of Read Bridge into the iconic dual-lantern lamp posts adorning Coleman Bridge.
This composition places viewers at the level of the river, where one gets a vantage view of the many activities happening around the river. Atop the bridge, a man in a striped shirt leans on the bridge railing and glances leisurely at the river; under the bridge, a figure in a sampan under the bridge appears to be working with equipment; on the opposite embankment, two figures make their way down a plank to the river. Amidst this richness of life by the river, the detailed rendering of the bumboat in the foreground seemingly invites the viewer to board it and engage up-close with the painting’s inhabitants.
Provenance
Gift from a corporate collection to Singapore Philatelic Museum
To be sold to support Children’s Museum Singapore *
* Singapore Philatelic Museum became a dedicated children’s museum in December 2022.
Echoes of the Past / Lot #5
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