View of Part of the City of Paris, Towards the Close of the 17th Century
1861
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1861
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This etching shows old buildings along a riverbank. The structures have steep roofs, narrow windows, and chimneys puffing smoke. At the water’s edge, people row small boats while others stand on the docks. The scene looks busy but quiet, with no bright colors—just black, white, and gray lines. The artist focused on tiny details, like the texture of the wood and the folds of the sails. This style was common in Paris at the time, capturing everyday life instead of grand scenes. Next, look up Charles Meryon to see how he turned simple city views into sharp, precise art.
