Artwork
Notre Dame Pumphouse, Paris
Notre Dame Pumphouse, Paris is a print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Charles Meryon's 1852 print, Notre Dame Pumphouse, Paris, is a characteristic example of his work as a French etcher. The scene is dominated by a tall, narrow tower beside a river, with the Notre Dame Cathedral looming in the background.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a view of the pumphouse near Notre Dame, showcasing Meryon's atmospheric approach to depicting urban landscapes. The juxtaposition of old buildings, scaffolding, and the cathedral reflects the city's mix of old and new.
Technique & Style
Meryon's use of etching emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow across the structures, rendering some areas rough and others smooth. The water is conveyed through dense, fine lines, suggesting ripples or waves.
Context
Created in Paris, the print reflects the city's fascination for artists with its blend of old and new architecture. Meryon's work is associated with the broader artistic trends of his time, including the attention to urban scenes and atmospheric effects.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
