Under the bridge

In the black-and-white photograph, the grandeur of Lisbon's 25th of April Bridge is captured from an impressive angle, revealing the complexity and beauty of its engineering.

The image, taken from beneath one of the bridge’s pillars, emphasizes the monumental architecture soaring towards the sky, with its metallic lines and well-defined geometric forms. The robust and interwoven steel trusses create a pattern that guides the viewer’s gaze across the Tagus River to the opposite bank, where the majestic Christ the King monument stands.

The perspective creates a sense of depth and dynamism, highlighting the bridge’s height and monumental scale. Shadows and strong black-and-white contrasts accentuate the details of the beams and structure, lending the scene a dramatic and almost surreal air. The intense daylight filters through the structures, casting light and shadow in a way that adds texture and dimension to the image.

In the background, across the river, the imposing figure of Christ the King serenely overlooks the city of Lisbon and the vast expanse of the Tagus River. Though distant, its presence balances the image, offering a focal point of serenity and spirituality that contrasts with the bridge’s industrial rigidity.

The black-and-white treatment gives the scene a timeless quality, evoking a sense of nostalgia and eternity. Without the distraction of color, viewers are invited to focus on structural elements and light contrasts, appreciating the pure beauty of form and function.