early life and naval career

charles méryon, 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 TopImpressionists)
• st. etienne-du-mont, paris, from eaux-fortes sur paris, demonstrates méryon's ability to capture the essence of parisian landscapes. (view on TopImpressionists)
• 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 TopImpressionists)

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 TopImpressionists) * harvard art museums (cambridge, united states) features méryon's le stryge, a testament to his skill in etching. (view on TopImpressionists) discover more about charles méryon's life and work on wikipedia: read more