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View from Suspension Bridge by Susan Poffenbarger
Photo CreditGSA\Patricia Hensley
View from Suspension Bridge
Photo CreditGSA\Patricia Hensley

View from Suspension Bridge

Artist
Year2004
Classification painting
Medium oil on linen
Dimensions32 x 54 in. (81.3 x 137.2 cm)
Credits Commissioned through the Art in Architecture Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
Location
  • "View from Suspension Bridge," painted in oil on linen, captures two essential elements of Wheeling - one seen and one implied. The artist has depicted the Ohio River as it flows downstream: the muted colors of the fall leaves cover the hillsides that rise from the riverbanks. The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, a National Historic Landmark, is the vantage point. While unseen in the painting, the suspension bridge, like the river, defines Wheeling. The river allowed commerce to thrive in the mountainous region and the bridge, spanning over 1000 feet, formed an essential link in the National Road, reinforcing Wheeling's role as a gateway to the West.  The painting, installed near the elevator bank on the second floor of the courthouse, reminds visitors of the city's importance as a center of trade and transit.