Oceanie was painted by Charles Meryon in 1845.

Where can I see Oceanie?

Oceanie is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Oceanie?

Oceanie is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Oceanie

Charles Meryon , 1845

Oceanie is a print by the Romanticist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1845 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1918.92
Credit line: Gift of Frederick Keppel and Co., Inc., The Frederick Keppel Memorial

About this work

Overview

Created in 1845, Oceanie is a print by French etcher Charles Meryon. Known primarily for his moody depictions of Paris, Meryon turned his attention to a tranquil seascape in this work, presenting a calm sea, a distant vessel, and a modest island crowned with foliage. The composition is rendered in muted tones, emphasizing atmosphere over detail.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a peaceful ocean vista where a few figures wade along the shore on the left, while a solitary ship drifts on the horizon. An island with trees and shrubs occupies the right side, offering a subtle focal point. The overall mood suggests contemplation and the quiet vastness of nature, contrasting with Meryon’s more urban subjects.

Technique & Style

Meryon employed traditional etching methods, using line work to model light and shadow and achieve a sense of depth. The cloudy sky and softened edges reflect Romantic sensibilities, favoring emotional resonance over precise realism. Despite his color‑blindness, he manipulated tonal contrasts to convey atmosphere, a hallmark of his broader oeuvre.

History & Provenance

Its ownership history remains largely undocumented, typical of many 19th‑century prints that circulated among collectors and print dealers.

Although Meryon is chiefly remembered for his etchings of Parisian architecture, Oceanie illustrates his occasional forays into landscape. Produced early in his career, the print predates the period of severe mental illness that later led to his institutionalization. Its ownership history remains largely undocumented, typical of many 19th‑century prints that circulated among collectors and print dealers.

Oceania: Fishing near Islands with Palms in the Uea or Wallis Group, 1845, Charles Meryon

Artist & collection

Artist

Charles Meryon

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.