Artwork

Saint-Etienne-du-Mont, Paris (Church of St. Stephen of the Mount, Paris)

Saint-Etienne-du-Mont, Paris (Church of St. Stephen of the Mount, Paris) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1852, this etching portrays the Church of Saint‑Étienne‑du‑Mont as it stood on a narrow Parisian street.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1852, this etching portrays the Church of Saint‑Étienne‑du‑Mont as it stood on a narrow Parisian street. Rendered on green laid paper, the image captures the building’s façade and tower amid surrounding structures, while figures move along the pavement, lending a sense of everyday activity to the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the historic church, emphasizing its Gothic architecture through detailed carvings and ornamental stonework. By situating the edifice within a bustling street, the work reflects the coexistence of sacred space and urban life, suggesting the church’s role as both a landmark and a lived part of the city’s fabric.

Technique & Style

Meryon employed his characteristic etching method, exploiting the contrast of light and shadow to model depth and atmosphere. The use of green laid paper adds a subtle tonal warmth, while the fine line work conveys intricate architectural detail and the fleeting movement of passersby, creating a moody, almost cinematic effect.

History & Provenance

Charles Meryon, a 19th‑century French etcher who suffered from color blindness, produced this work during his most productive period. Recognized as a leading figure in French printmaking, he continued to focus on Parisian subjects until his death in an asylum in 1868. The print remains a representative example of his urban series.

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.