Who painted Pirouette Street, near the Markets, Paris?

Pirouette Street, near the Markets, Paris was painted by Charles Meryon in 1860.

Where can I see Pirouette Street, near the Markets, Paris?

Pirouette Street, near the Markets, Paris is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Pirouette Street, near the Markets, Paris?

Pirouette Street, near the Markets, Paris is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Pirouette Street, near the Markets, Paris

Charles Meryon , 1860

Pirouette Street, near the Markets, Paris is a print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1860, *Pirouette Street, near the Markets, Paris* is an etching by Charles Meryon, a French artist noted for his moody depictions of the city. The image captures a narrow, largely deserted Parisian street framed by tall, dark‑faced buildings, a few distant pedestrians, and a horse‑drawn cart, illuminated by isolated patches of light that accentuate the deep shadows.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a quiet urban moment near one of Paris’s market districts, emphasizing the solitude of the space rather than bustling commerce. Meryon’s focus on the stark architecture and sparse human presence conveys a sense of melancholy and timelessness, reflecting his fascination with the older, less altered face of the capital.

Technique & Style

Meryon employed traditional copper‑plate etching, a medium he favored because of his colour‑blindness. The process yields a textured, uneven line quality that differs from the smoothness of oil painting. Deep, velvety shadows dominate the plate, while selective highlights break through, creating a dramatic chiaroscuro that heightens the atmospheric mood of the scene.

History & Provenance

The print was produced during the period when Meryon was actively documenting Paris before Haussmann’s extensive renovations.

The print was produced during the period when Meryon was actively documenting Paris before Haussmann’s extensive renovations. Although he achieved considerable reputation in France as the pre‑eminent 19th‑century etcher, his work remained relatively obscure in English‑language circles during his lifetime and thereafter. The piece is now held in several public collections, including the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

Meryon’s oeuvre concentrates on the medieval and early‑modern fabric of Paris, often portraying streets, bridges, and interiors that would soon disappear under urban renewal. This work aligns with that broader project, offering a visual record of a cityscape on the cusp of transformation and illustrating the artist’s enduring preoccupation with the city’s gothic ambience.

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.