Maris, Matthijs – De Nieuwe Haarlemse Sluis bij het Singel, genaamd ’Souvenir d’Amsterdam, 1871 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The canvas presents a scene dominated by industrial infrastructure and urban architecture, rendered in a muted palette of browns, grays, and ochres. Here we see a large, imposing movable bridge structure, its skeletal framework dominating the upper portion of the composition. This mechanism appears central to the function of what seems to be a canal or lock system. The bridge’s construction is detailed with evident precision, suggesting an emphasis on engineering prowess and modernity.
Below the bridge, a small building, likely an operational control station, sits adjacent to the waters edge. Several figures are scattered throughout the scene; some appear to be engaged in work related to the lock or canal operation, while others seem to observe the activity. Their presence lends scale to the industrial elements and hints at the human element within this functional landscape. The artist depicted them with minimal detail, emphasizing their role as participants rather than individual subjects.
The background reveals a densely built cityscape, characterized by tall, narrow buildings that recede into atmospheric perspective. These structures are rendered in varying degrees of clarity, contributing to a sense of depth and urban density. A hazy quality pervades the distant view, softening the edges of the buildings and suggesting a degree of industrial pollution or simply the effects of distance.
The composition is structured around verticality – the bridge’s towering frame, the height of the surrounding buildings – which contrasts with the horizontal expanse of the water and the canal walls. This interplay creates a visual tension that underscores the dominance of human intervention in the natural environment.
Subtly, theres an undercurrent of melancholy or quiet contemplation within the scene. The muted colors and lack of vibrant detail contribute to this feeling. It’s not a celebratory depiction of progress; rather, it seems to be a sober observation of industrial activity and its impact on the urban fabric. The absence of overt signs of joy or exuberance suggests a more complex relationship between humanity and its creations – one that acknowledges both their utility and potential for alienation. The scene evokes a sense of transition, perhaps marking a shift in societal values or technological advancement.