One of the Bridges over the Seine, Paris, in the Moonlight

About this artwork

buitenmaat: diepte 8,6 cm (drager incl. SK-L-6508)

Art Historical Context

In 1835, Dutch artist Antonie Waldorp painted "One of the Bridges over the Seine, Paris, in the Moonlight," an evocative oil on panel that measures 35 by 43.9 centimeters. This compact work captures a tranquil nighttime view of one of Paris’s iconic bridges, with soft moonlight illuminating the water and stone structures. The medium of oil on panel was well-suited for such scenes, allowing artists to achieve luminous effects and fine details in a portable format. Created during the Romantic era, the painting reflects the period’s fascination with atmosphere, emotion, and the beauty of urban landscapes under changing light. Waldorp, working from the Netherlands, likely drew inspiration from travels or popular imagery of Paris, transforming a familiar city view into a poetic, almost dreamlike composition that emphasizes mood over precise topography. Now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, the artwork highlights cultural exchanges between Dutch and French artistic traditions in the 19th century. Its modest scale and careful rendering invite close viewing, offering visitors a quiet moment to appreciate how moonlight can turn an everyday bridge into a scene of quiet wonder.

About the Artist

Antonie Waldorp · 1803–1866

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