L'Ile de la Cité, Pont Neuf

Roi George Partridge

"I'lle de la Cité, Pont Neuf" was published by the Chicago Society of Etchers and was the 3rd presentation print. It was included in a portfolio offering of 250 with an essay by Thomas E. Tallmadge titled "Two Etchings of a Bridge". The other etching was the 2nd presentation print by Charles K. Gleeson titled "An Old Piece of Masonry: Pont Neuf, Paris."

This early etching by Partridge is signed "Roy Partridge", done before he changed his name to "Roi".

James McNeill Whistler did a number of etchings of bridges from various angles and inspired a generation of printmakers to focus on architectural imagery as interesting compositions rather than just their grandeur. In this etching, Partridge began using his technique of parallel etched lines to emphasize direction and movement, a technique that became his trademark in his later work.

The "Pont Neuf" (New Bridge) was begun in 1578 and, despite its name, is the oldest bridge spanning the Seine in Paris. The bridge is composed of two separate spans, one of five arches joining the left bank to the Île de la Cité, another of seven joining the island to the right bank.