Artwork
L'ancien Louvre d'après une peinture de Zeeman, 1651 (The Old Louvre, from a Painting by Zeeman, 1651)
L'ancien Louvre d'après une peinture de Zeeman, 1651 (The Old Louvre, from a Painting by Zeeman, 1651) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The title at the bottom says it’s a view of the "ancien Louvre" from 1651, copied from an earlier painting.
This sketch shows an old, castle-like building by a river, with boats and people below. The water is full of small vessels, some with people fishing or rowing. The sky is swirling with loose, sketchy lines, and the buildings have steep roofs and tall windows.
The title at the bottom says it’s a view of the "ancien Louvre" from 1651, copied from an earlier painting. The artist used a technique that looks rough and textured, almost like scratching into the paper.
If you like this style, look up etching to see how it’s made.
Overview
L'ancien Louvre d'après une peinture de Zeeman, 1651 is an etching on wove paper created by Charles Meryon in 1866. The print is a representation of the Louvre as it may have appeared in the 17th century.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a reconstruction of the historic Louvre, based on a painting by Reinier Zeeman from 1651. It shows a fortified, castle-like building by a river, with various boats and people below, reflecting Meryon's interest in historical architecture.
Technique & Style
The print is characterized by loose, sketchy lines, particularly in the rendering of the sky and water. The etching technique gives the image a rough, textured quality. Meryon worked primarily in etching due to his color blindness.
History & Provenance
Meryon created the etching in 1866, more than 200 years after Zeeman's original painting. As a prominent French etcher of the 19th century, Meryon's work reflects his fascination with Paris' historical architecture.
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.
L'ancien Louvre d'après une peinture de Zeeman, 1651 (The Old Louvre, from a Painting by Zeeman, 1651)
L'ancien Louvre d'après une peinture de Zeeman, 1651 (The Old Louvre, from a Painting by Zeeman, 1651)
The Old Louvre from a Painting by Zeeman, 1651
L'ancien Louvre d'après une peinture de Zeeman, 1651 (The Old Louvre, from a Painting by Zeeman, l651)
L'ancien Louvre d'après une peinture de Zeeman, 1651 (The Old Louvre, from a Painting by Zeeman, 1651)
Le Pavillion de Mlle. et une partie du Louvre
View of the Louvre
Les deux grandes vues de Paris: Vue du Louvre
Views of Paris: View of the Louvre and the Tuileries