Who painted Plan du Combat de Sinope (Plan of the Battle of Sinope)?

Plan du Combat de Sinope (Plan of the Battle of Sinope) was painted by Charles Meryon in 1853.

Where can I see Plan du Combat de Sinope (Plan of the Battle of Sinope)?

Plan du Combat de Sinope (Plan of the Battle of Sinope) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plan du Combat de Sinope (Plan of the Battle of Sinope)?

Plan du Combat de Sinope (Plan of the Battle of Sinope) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Plan du Combat de Sinope (Plan of the Battle of Sinope)

Charles Meryon , 1853

Plan du Combat de Sinope (Plan of the Battle of Sinope) is a watercolor print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1853 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1853, *Plan du Combat de Sinope* is an etched sheet on Van Gelder laid paper that incorporates watercolor highlights.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1853, *Plan du Combat de Sinope* is an etched sheet on Van Gelder laid paper that incorporates watercolor highlights. French printmaker Charles Meryon, best known for his stark urban visions, applied his skill to a cartographic representation of the 1853 naval engagement at Sinope, treating the work as a historical illustration rather than a purely decorative map.

Subject & Meaning

The image functions as a tactical diagram of the Battle of Sinope, a decisive clash between Russian and Ottoman fleets during the Crimean War. Symbols and abbreviations populate the chart, indicating ship positions, movements, and key moments, thereby translating a complex maritime conflict into a visual plan for analysis and reference.

Technique & Style

Meryon employed a fine-line etching process to render the intricate network of lines and symbols, then applied selective watercolor washes to differentiate elements and add depth. Working almost exclusively in monochrome due to his color‑vision deficiency, the artist’s limited palette is enhanced by these modest pigments, which emphasize strategic zones without compromising the precision of the engraving.

History & Provenance

The print emerged during Meryon’s prolific period in the early 1850s, when he produced a series of historical and topographical works. Though the piece remained relatively obscure outside France, it exemplifies his broader contribution to 19th‑century French printmaking, a field in which he is now regarded as a leading figure despite limited contemporary recognition.

Context

The Battle of Sinope, fought on 30 November 1853, marked a turning point in the Crimean War, prompting international diplomatic repercussions. Meryon’s map reflects contemporary interest in documenting military events through graphic means, aligning with a broader European trend of using prints to disseminate strategic information to both officials and the educated public.

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.