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Artwork

Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris)

Charles Meryon , 1854

Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris), by Charles Meryon, ink, 1854
Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris), by Charles Meryon, ink, 1854

Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:"C. Meryon. ft." lower left composition, in plate, artist's hand. "MDCCCLIV" lower left composition, in plate, artist's hand. "Imp Rue Ne St. Etienne du Mont. 26." lower center margin, in plate, artist's hand. "Arms of Paris" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "L.D. 21 III" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "c.11328" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. Verso: none.
Markings
Marked:"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1760b). "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d).

About this work

Overview

Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris is a black-and-white etching on laid paper created by Charles Meryon in 1854. It depicts a shield-shaped coat of arms with various symbolic elements.

Subject & Meaning

The etching features a castle at the top, a ship with three masts and a possible monument on its deck in the center, and a background filled with fleur-de-lis patterns, symbols associated with French royalty. The composition is framed by leafy branches at the bottom.

Technique & Style

The print was made using etching, a technique that involves scratching lines into metal plates. Meryon's work is characterized by technical precision and a Gothic-inspired style, evident in his detailed and atmospheric depiction of the coat of arms.

History & Provenance

Meryon created this work while struggling with mental illness. It is part of a broader series of Parisian views that emphasize architectural grandeur and urban spaces, showcasing his skill as a French etcher.

Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris)
Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris), Charles Meryon

Artist & collection

Portrait of Charles Meryon

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.

MORE BY CHARLES MERYON

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris)?

Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris) was painted by Charles Meryon in 1854.

Where can I see Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris)?

Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris)?

Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris)?

Museum-quality prints of Armes symboliques de la ville de Paris (Symbolical Arms of the City of Paris) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.