Build a Bridge
Joseph Stella moved to the United States from a small mountain village in Italy in 1896. He was fascinated with modern technology—particularly the skyscrapers, subways, and bridges of New York City. He especially liked the Brooklyn Bridge and its sweeping cables, glittering lights, bustling traffic, and spectacular views. Stella made six paintings of the Brooklyn Bridge. This painting shows a view of the city through one of the bridge’s stone towers, along with another image of the bridge from a distance.
Look at images of bridges on the internet. Imagine all the people that were involved in designing and building these giant structures. Think of which places the bridges connect, and the people and traffic that might have crossed over them. Use the following kinds of materials to build a mini bridge of your own!
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Tape
- Straws
- Uncooked spaghetti
- String
- Popsicle sticks
See all Whitney Kids Art Challenges.
Joseph Stella, The Brooklyn Bridge: Variation on an Old Theme, 1939. Oil on canvas, overall: 70 1/4 × 42 3/16 in. (178.4 × 107.2 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase 42.15