Charles Meryon

Style: Realism;

Place: Paris

Born: 1821

Death: 1868

Biography:

Early Life and Naval Career

, a French artist, was born on November 23, 1821, in Paris. His mother, a dancer at the Paris Opera, had a significant influence on his early life. Méryon's colour blindness led him to pursue a naval career, which took him on extensive voyages, including a four-year tour around the world. This experience would later inspire his etched depictions of Paris.

Artistic Journey and Notable Works

After realizing that colour-blindness ruled out painting for him, Méryon settled on etching in 1848. His most famous work is the series Eaux-fortes sur Paris, which powerfully conveys his distinctive Gothic vision of Paris. This series, executed from 1850 to 1854, includes twenty-two etchings that are now considered a testament to Méryon's skill and artistry.

• Le Stryge (The Gargoyle or The Vampire), 1853, is now Meryon's most famous print, showcasing his mastery of the etching medium. (View on Wikioo.org)
• St. Etienne-du-Mont, Paris, from Eaux-fortes sur Paris, demonstrates Méryon's ability to capture the essence of Parisian landscapes. (View on Wikioo.org)
• Etchings of Paris; Title page to the suite, housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, serves as a prime example of Méryon's etching prowess. (View on Wikioo.org)

Museums and Collections Featuring Charles Méryon's Work

* The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City, United States) houses several of Méryon's notable etchings, including Etchings of Paris; Title page to the suite. (View on Wikioo.org) * Harvard Art Museums (Cambridge, United States) features Méryon's Le Stryge, a testament to his skill in etching. (View on Wikioo.org) Discover more about Charles Méryon's life and work on Wikipedia: Read more