River Dredges and Lighters

probably c. 1850

Charles Meryon

Associated Names
Charles Meryon

Artist, French, 1821 - 1868

The image shows a sketch of a small rustic boat with a central cabin-like structure. The drawing is done from a slightly elevated point of view. The horizon is indicated by faint horizontal lines in the distance. The pencil lines are soft and delicate, showing subtle shades and textures. The overall color palette is soft and subdued, with natural shades of paper and grey tones of the pencil. Close to us, the boat's outlines are more defined, with details like the mast, planks, and additional small boats tethered around. The background is undefined, suggesting open space beyond the main subject.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (approximate): 13.3 x 25.7 cm (5 1/4 x 10 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.6196

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Philippe Burty [1830-1890], Paris, (Lugt 2071); 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 river dredging barge + lighters / by C. Meryon / (From the Burty + Heywood collns.)" verso, lower center sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "K404" verso, lower center sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "3" verso, lower center sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "con 2540" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "c 1365" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, unknown hand.

Markings

"PB" (Philippe Burty collector's stamp) upper right composition, red stamped ink, (Lugt 2071). "LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1760b). "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d). "BM" (Bernard MacGeorge collector's stamp) verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 394).

Watermarks

None.

Wikidata ID

Q64538722

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