Artwork
Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris)
Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of 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
Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris is a black-and-white etching on laid paper created by Charles Meryon in 1854. It depicts a shield-shaped coat of arms with various symbolic elements.
Subject & Meaning
The etching features a castle at the top, a ship with three masts and a possible monument on its deck in the center, and a background filled with fleur-de-lis patterns, symbols associated with French royalty. The composition is framed by leafy branches at the bottom.
Technique & Style
The print was made using etching, a technique that involves scratching lines into metal plates. Meryon's work is characterized by technical precision and a Gothic-inspired style, evident in his detailed and atmospheric depiction of the coat of arms.
History & Provenance
Meryon created this work while struggling with mental illness. It is part of a broader series of Parisian views that emphasize architectural grandeur and urban spaces, showcasing his skill as a French etcher.
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.
Coat of Arms of Prince Rupert, Hollar and Evelyn
Bookplate for Ambrose Isted
Crest
Bookplate: Coat of Arms with John Chandler Jun.r, Esq. inscribed
Crest
Crest
Raccolta di varie targhe di Roma fatte da Profeffori Primarj, Difegnate, ed Intagliate da Filippo Juvarra
Coat of Arms of Lorenz Staiber
Stuart Coat of Arms from Vera Descriptio by John Jonston