Painted c. 1958-1969 Original Size: 24" x 20" Oil on canvas
This early, unsigned Sydna, represents the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, entrance to the Upper Bay of New York Harbor. The bridge connects Staten Island (depicted left) with Brooklyn (right). In this painting, the artist's viewpoint is looking north, with the bright lights of a NYC evening. In the distance, you can see Manhattan and, to the left, the Statue of Liberty's torch.
The observer's eye is immediately drawn to the bridge, gleaming white amongst the city lights and darkened waters. The bridge is certainly the painting's focal point. And, that makes sense, considering the time of creation. Bridge groundbreaking was 1959, the lower level finished in 1964, and the upper level in 1969.
The painting is also significant in Sydna's life. As an infant, she entered America by passing through the Narrows, on her way to Ellis Island. In a way, it's her 'modern' version of her arrival to the United States. I think understanding that, allows you to forgive the weak elements of the painting's top half. The bottom half, with its attractive whites and blues, is where the picture's beauty lies. But, it's the top half, which holds Sydna's sentimental connection.
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