Who painted Le Pont-au-Change, Paris, vers 1784?

Le Pont-au-Change, Paris, vers 1784 was painted by Charles Meryon in 1855.

Where can I see Le Pont-au-Change, Paris, vers 1784?

Le Pont-au-Change, Paris, vers 1784 is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Le Pont-au-Change, Paris, vers 1784?

Le Pont-au-Change, Paris, vers 1784 is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Le Pont-au-Change, Paris, vers 1784

Charles Meryon , 1855

Le Pont-au-Change, Paris, vers 1784 is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Le Pont-au-Change, Paris, vers 1784 is an 1855 etching on laid paper by Charles Meryon, a prominent French etcher known for his Parisian views. The work depicts a bustling scene of the Pont-au-Change bridge in Paris, showcasing the city's architecture and activity.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a mid-19th-century Parisian scene, focusing on the Pont-au-Change bridge. The composition contrasts the bridge's arches with surrounding elements: tall, smoke-emitting buildings on the left, small boats, and figures on the riverbank, alongside a dominant wooden structure on the right, possibly a ship or warehouse.

Technique & Style

Meryon employed fine, detailed etching lines to render textures, from water ripples to building facades, characteristic of the meticulous drawing style prevalent at the time. His colour blindness led him to specialize in etching, a medium suited to his monochromatic yet richly textured vision.

History & Provenance

Created in 1855, Le Pont-au-Change, Paris, vers 1784 is part of Meryon's celebrated series of Parisian views, reflecting his Gothic-inspired interpretation of the city. The title's date 'vers 1784' suggests a nostalgic or historical perspective on the depicted scene.

Context

This work is emblematic of Meryon's contribution to 19th-century French etching, particularly in documenting and aesthetically interpreting Paris' architectural landscape during a period of significant urban change.

Legacy

As one of Meryon's Parisian views, Le Pont-au-Change contributes to his legacy as the most significant etcher of 19th-century France, influencing subsequent artists in capturing the essence of urban landscapes through precise, detailed etching techniques.

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.