British Impressionist Watercolor of Cathedral and Stone Bridge Over River

Title: British Impressionist Watercolor of Cathedral and Stone Bridge Over River by Anthony Avery (British 1946-2023) Original watercolor on artists paper, unframed Dimensions: 11.25 x 15.25 inches (Height x Width) Signed: Yes Condition: Good, with some minor signs of aging. Provenance: from a large collection of this artists work, held in England. Description: This watercolor painting elegantly captures the majesty of a historic stone bridge, framed against the backdrop of a cathedral. The artist brings to life the scene’s architectural details, with the bridge’s warm sandstone arches reflecting gracefully on the calm river below, creating a mirror effect that doubles the visual impact. Each arch reflects on the water, lending a sense of continuity and symmetry, enhanced by the river’s undisturbed surface. Above the bridge, the cathedral stands tall with its intricate spires and Gothic-inspired architecture. The structure’s warm, earthy tones complement the bridge, drawing the viewer’s gaze upwards toward the sky. The cathedral’s tower, slightly offset, adds a layer of depth and perspective to the painting, capturing both its grandeur and proximity to the river. On the right, a lone, slender cypress tree adds a vertical contrast to the composition, its lush green providing a pop of color against the muted tones of the architecture. The trees on either side of the scene frame the painting, their dark, leafy forms creating a natural vignette that leads the eye toward the bridge and cathedral. The artist’s use of subtle washes and soft hues creates an atmosphere of calmness, evoking a peaceful, late-afternoon light. The sky, painted in soft, muted tones, gently blends with the bridge’s reflection, merging earth and sky in harmonious balance. This painting beautifully conveys the timeless charm of historic architecture set within a serene, natural landscape, capturing a fleeting moment where history and nature coexist in quiet harmony.