Artwork
Seated Female Figure for "San Francisco"
Seated Female Figure for "San Francisco" is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Seated Female Figure for 'San Francisco' is a graphite drawing on wove paper created by Charles Meryon around 1856. The work is a figure study, distinct from Meryon's more typical etched cityscapes.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a woman seated on the ground, leaning against a wall with her head tilted back. The relaxed pose and calm atmosphere suggest a serene mood. Unclear writing on the wall behind her adds an element of intrigue.
Technique & Style
Executed in graphite, the drawing showcases Meryon's skill in rendering subtle detail and texture. The work's intimate scale and focus on a single figure contrast with Meryon's larger cityscapes.
History & Provenance
Meryon, a French etcher with a background influenced by his mother's career at the Paris Opera, produced this drawing during a period of declining mental health.
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.
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