Artwork

Ancienne porte du Palais de Justice, Paris (Old Gate of the Palace of Justice, Paris)

Ancienne porte du Palais de Justice, Paris (Old Gate of the Palace of Justice, Paris) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Ancienne porte du Palais de Justice, Paris is an etching on laid paper created by Charles Meryon in 1854. The work depicts a gate and surrounding architecture in Paris.

Technique & Style

Meryon used etching, a technique involving carving into metal plates, to achieve precise lines and detailed shading. His work reflects a focused practice and a distinctive Gothic vision of Paris, characterized by dramatic intensity.

Subject & Meaning

The etching captures the Old Gate of the Palace of Justice, set into a stone wall with a small window above it, and a row of buildings with pointed roofs in the background. The image conveys a sense of depth and urban landscape.

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.