Artwork

Swift Sailing Proa, Mulgrave Archipelago, Oceania

Swift Sailing Proa, Mulgrave Archipelago, Oceania, by Charles Meryon, 1866
Swift Sailing Proa, Mulgrave Archipelago, Oceania, by Charles Meryon, 1866

Swift Sailing Proa, Mulgrave Archipelago, Oceania is a print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Swift Sailing Proa, Mulgrave Archipelago, Oceania is a print created by Charles Meryon in 1866. The work is an etching, a medium in which Meryon was highly skilled.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a proa, an outrigger sailing vessel, navigating through rough waters in Oceania. The scene reflects Meryon's interest in maritime subjects and showcases his ability to capture dynamic movement.

Technique & Style

Meryon's etching technique emphasizes the proa's angular forms and the turbulent sea. The use of thick lines to render the sail's rigging adds to the overall sense of energy and tension in the composition.

History & Provenance

Meryon, a French artist, worked primarily in etching due to color blindness. His work often featured a dramatic quality, influenced by his personal experiences with mental illness.

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.