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This pair of fresh, masterful paintings depicts the atmosphere of the riverbanks of Paris, dominated by the Art Nouveau steel bridge Pont Alexandre III. In one painting the artist depicts the bridge, a unique feat of modern architecture at the time it was constructed, while a boat is sailing under it. The side view fully showcases the sculptures decorating the bridge. The second painting presents a broad space that leads to the start of the bridge. Jan Šafařík, who earned acclaim in Bohemia with his paintings and postcards of quiet corners of Prague, settled in Paris in 1909. Here he was able to gain a foothold among competing artists at the official Salons (1910-1914); this period is considered to be the most valuable in his work.