c1915, pen and ink drawing, size unknown
Provenance: pwu.
Studies: Photograph EP283/50, Liss Fine Art.
Related work: Urushibara woodcut, Ill: Chapman & Horner, Hotei, 2017, p94-95
Illustrated: Shaw-Sparrow, Book of Bridges, London, 1915, p67.
A dramatic drawing of the St Gothard Pass with the new road above the old road, the Devil’s Bridge, a narrow causeway over the raging torrent below.
The legend tells that the residents of the Canton of Uri in Switzerland wanted a new stone bridge and an unknown figure appeared who promised to build the bridge in exchange for the soul of the first person who crossed the bridge. the bridge was miraculously built in three das and the locals realised they were dealing with the devil, so they sent a goat across. The devil was furious and hurled a stone to destroy the bridge but missed his target and the stone can be seen near Goschenen.
Yoshihiro Urushibara, Devil’s Bridge – St Gotthard Pass (UB85)
c1918, 36.2×50.8cm and 24x36cm, colour woodcut (touched proof)