This is not a beauty and it was obviously rebuilt after the last war. You probably will be somewhat familiar with the colorful houses on the right from the post “Venetian Windows” and the view beyond the bridge is almost the same as in “Scali delle Barchette”.
The usual old postcard shows us the three-arched bridge as it was about a century ago, seen from the “Scali del Ponte di Marmo”.
Not so usual is a 1785 print by the painter Giuseppe Maria Terreni (Livorno, 1739-1811) who realized eighteen views of his home town, much appreciated by the then Gran Duke Pietro Leopoldo. We have already seen another of these prints in “Chamber of Commerce”. The caption under the drawing says: “View of the New Venice from the great bridge”.
The last image, of the other side of the bridge, is taken from the “Scali delle Ancore”.See also: Ponte di Marmo - Ponte dei Domenicani - Ponte di San Giovanni - Ponte dell'Angiolo - Ponte del Luogo Pio
It's interesting and fun to compare the old pictures with today's photos of the same subjects!
ReplyDeleteThe gallery of photos of the bridge gives me a clearer view and better idea of it. The postcards are an historical treasure.
ReplyDeleteLove it, VP! Comparing the photos, there really hasn't been substantial change over the years...cosmetic changes, yes, but they look pretty much the same (don't know about the interiors, of course).
ReplyDeleteAnother fine set of photographs! Perhaps you should make copies for the city's archives so that a VP a hundred years from now will have something to compare with!
Another interesting comparison, Mr Poet! I think I like the rounded arches of the old bridge better. The arch of the current bridge doesn't seem as high either — I wonder why.
ReplyDeleteI love the old photos, but I especially thank you for the link back to the Venetian windows. Those photos were spectacular.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of having a figure relaxing in the foreground of that postcard. Sort of a side-kick if you will.
ReplyDeleteThe old bridge was prettier but the new one is also nice. How many bridges are there in Livorno?
ReplyDeleteNice week to you:)
Wonderful post, you lead me in the past.
ReplyDeleteThat place is beautiful even now.
The 1785 print is my favourite view. It doesn't look all that bad nowadays though I really prefer the other bridges.
ReplyDeleteI like these history trips, it's interesting to see how places have changed over the years.
ReplyDeleteAnother Fantastic and fascinating post !! Loved the shots and location too !! Thanks for sharing..Unseen Rajasthan
ReplyDeleteThat's such a remarkable difference! Once again awesome comparative photos! The older version of the bridge was shaped better I feel.....
ReplyDeleteGrandes imágenes y espectacular blog, un saludo, gracias por compartirlo.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. All the research you do to render the past & the present is greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to see the changes over the years, although they are quite minimal. I think if you did the same project for an American city, the changes would be much more drastic!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous transitions. So interesting to see the changes. A lot fewer boats in the older photos.
ReplyDeleteAdorable designs and I liked the composition and reflections in your first shot!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post!
Léia
These are so wonderful! I love the comparisons and historical views.
ReplyDeleteWell, I really prefer the old style bridge!
ReplyDeleteThe arches of the new bridge seem much lower. Or the sea has turned up?
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, past and present, a beautiful reflection!
Mi piace molto paragonare le foto del passato con le foto attuali. Grazie :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting to see old & new photos from your city! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou already know I enjoy these 'before and after' thing and you seem to be
ReplyDeletean expert doing this! :-) And the colours are just wonderful!
I enjoy looking at your today and yesteryear photos. Even though some changes have been made, much remains the same.
ReplyDeleteShame the new builts aren't as pretty as what was there before... but at least they kept to the general style.
ReplyDeleteThey built an extra floor on the pink house - that is the only difference - amazing. A century doesn't seem like a long time now - comparing when I was a kid. My kids will probably think - my old people are from the last century. It looks like it is not that far back :) Great work exploring the history and the view!
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