Rue des Toilés, Bourges
1853
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1853
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This etching shows a narrow street packed with tall, crooked buildings. The rooftops lean in, and a crane looms over the scene, its cables dangling. People and animals move along the muddy ground, while a small tree stands in the center. The lines are sharp and busy, with shadows cutting deep across the walls. Notice how the artist used only black lines to create light and dark—no colors at all. The street looks messy but full of life, almost like a snapshot of a moment frozen in time. If you like this style, check out etching by Charles Meryon.
