Who painted Etchings of Paris: Hope?

Etchings of Paris: Hope was painted by Charles Meryon in 1854.

Where can I see Etchings of Paris: Hope?

Etchings of Paris: Hope is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Etchings of Paris: Hope?

Etchings of Paris: Hope is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Etchings of Paris: Hope

Charles Meryon , 1854

Etchings of Paris: Hope is a print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Charles Meryon's 'Etchings of Paris: Hope' is a print from 1854, part of a series capturing his distinct vision of the city. The work is an etching, a technique Meryon favoured due to his colour blindness.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a handwritten poem, 'S'Espérance' (Hope), with uneven lines and smudged or faded text. The poem's words evoke dreams, storms, and longing, but its exact meaning is ambiguous. The title and initials suggest the artist's involvement, possibly as the author or transcriber.

Technique & Style

Meryon's etching simulates handwritten text on aged paper, framed by a simple border. The ink is dark but unevenly applied, with some bleeding or blurring. The overall effect is one of wear and handling, as if the page has been frequently touched or passed around.

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.