Seine Boat for "Le Pont-au-Change"

probably c. 1854

Charles Meryon

Associated Names
Charles Meryon

Artist, French, 1821 - 1868

The drawing depicts a ship viewed from a distance, slightly below, and facing it head-on. The lines suggest an open sea setting for the ship. The sketch is created with simple pencil lines, displaying a loose and rough technique that suggests initial studies or a preliminary sketch rather than a finished work. The color palette is virtually absent due to the monochromatic nature of pencil, relying on variations in shading and line density to define form and volume. The ship is the central focus, with its sails and masts suggested rather than detailed, lending an unfinished, airy quality to the composition.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (approximate): 7.7 x 12.4 cm (3 1/16 x 4 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.6197

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Bernard B. MacGeorge [1845-1924], Glasgow, (Lugt 394); Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

Not signed. Not dated. "(a)" upper left composition, brown ink, artist's hand. "Study by C, Meryon / ? for Pont au Change ??" verso, lower left sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "(from the Destailleur collection)" verso, lower left sheet, graphite, unknown hand.

Markings

"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1760b). "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d).

Watermarks

None.

Wikidata ID

Q64538723

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