Artwork

Etchings of Paris: à Bourges

Etchings of Paris:  à Bourges, by Charles Meryon, 1853
Etchings of Paris:  à Bourges, by Charles Meryon, 1853

Etchings of Paris: à Bourges is a print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1853 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Etchings of Paris: à Bourges is a print created by Charles Meryon in 1853. It is one of a series of etchings that showcase the artist's vision of Paris.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a narrow Paris street with old half-timbered houses, a church steeple, and smoke rising from chimneys. The scene focuses on everyday city life, capturing the texture and character of the urban environment.

Technique & Style

Meryon's use of chiaroscuro creates depth in the print, with light and shadow accentuating the rough, realistic appearance of the buildings. The texture of the print gives the scene a tactile quality, emphasizing the materiality of the cityscape.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Charles Meryon

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.