#29464 Jesús Helguera Ausencia (1910-1971)

The canvas presents a landscape dominated by a suspension bridge spanning a wide body of water. The bridge itself is rendered with a focus on its structural elements – the towers, cables, and walkway – all depicted in varying shades of brown and grey, suggesting weathered stone and metal. It appears to be a functional structure, not merely decorative.
The river reflects the sky above, creating a shimmering surface that disrupts any sense of sharp delineation between water and atmosphere. Patches of blue are interspersed with white clouds, contributing to an overall impression of atmospheric movement. The artist employed short, broken brushstrokes to capture this effect, lending a vibrant quality to the scene.
Along the riverbank, vegetation is abundant. A dense growth of trees and shrubs obscures much of the terrain, but glimpses of buildings can be discerned nestled amongst them. These structures are painted in muted tones – whites, creams, and pale yellows – suggesting residential or commercial use. The architecture appears somewhat modest, indicative of a rural or semi-rural setting.
Several small figures populate the scene: one is visible on the bridge itself, while others appear to be rowing boats along the rivers edge. These individuals are rendered with minimal detail, serving more as indicators of human presence than as central subjects. Their scale relative to the landscape emphasizes the vastness and tranquility of the environment.
The painting conveys a sense of quiet observation and an appreciation for the interplay between natural elements and man-made structures. The bridge acts as a visual anchor, connecting disparate parts of the composition while simultaneously highlighting the passage across the water. Subtly, theres a suggestion of modernity – the suspension bridge representing technological advancement – juxtaposed with the timelessness of the river landscape. It is not a scene of dramatic action but rather one of peaceful coexistence between humanity and nature.