Who painted Chantrey Street, Paris?

Chantrey Street, Paris was painted by Charles Meryon in 1862.

Where can I see Chantrey Street, Paris?

Chantrey Street, Paris is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Chantrey Street, Paris?

Chantrey Street, Paris is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Chantrey Street, Paris

Charles Meryon , 1862

Chantrey Street, Paris is a print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

This etching shows a quiet Paris street in 1862. The buildings lean close together. A lone figure walks on the right. The sky above is heavy with clouds.

Meryon was a sailor before he became an artist. That explains why his city scenes feel so precise. Notice how the light hits the walls unevenly.

This work feels close to the prints of Piranesi. Look it up in The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Overview

Chantrey Street, Paris is an 1862 etching by Charles Meryon, a prominent French artist celebrated for his etched interpretations of Paris, characterized by a strong Gothic sensibility.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a serene Parisian street scene, with closely clustered buildings, a solitary figure, and a cloud-heavy sky. The composition conveys Meryon's unique blend of architectural detail and atmospheric depth.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching—a medium Meryon favored due to his colour blindness—the work showcases his mastery of the technique. The uneven play of light on the walls and the overall aesthetic draw parallels with the prints of Giovanni Piranesi.

History & Provenance

Created in 1862, Chantrey Street, Paris is part of Meryon's oeuvre that, despite his significance in 19th-century French etching, remains less recognized in English-speaking countries. The piece is held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

Meryon's background as a sailor preceding his artistic career may have influenced the precision evident in his cityscapes. His life was marked by personal struggles, including mental illness, leading to his death in an asylum in 1868.

Legacy

While Meryon's broader recognition is limited, Chantrey Street, Paris stands as a testament to his contribution to 19th-century French etching, embodying his distinctive Gothic vision of Paris.

Artist & collection

Artist

Charles Meryon

Charles Meryon (sometimes Méryon, 23 November 1821 – 14 February 1868) was a French artist who worked almost entirely in etching, as he had colour blindness.