Artwork
Boats on River with Masts
Boats on River with Masts is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1844, this graphite drawing on laid paper shows a tranquil river scene where several boats are tied to the bank.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:"C. Meryon" lower right composition, brown ink, artist's hand. Not dated. "Seine barges / by C Meryon" verso, center sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "(from the Burty + Heywood / collections)" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "c. 1366/ K.406" verso, lower left sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "3" verso, lower center sheet graphite, unknown hand. "K406" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "c 1366" verso, lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. "Con 2544" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, unknown hand.
- Markings
- Marked:"PB" (Philippe Burty collector's stamp) upper right composition, red stamped ink, (Lugt 2071). "LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1760b). "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d). "BM" (Bernard MacGeorge collector's stamp) verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 394).
About this work
Overview
Created in 1844, this graphite drawing on laid paper shows a tranquil river scene where several boats are tied to the bank. The composition extends toward a line of buildings that recede into the distance, giving the work a sense of depth and quiet urban atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures a moment of stillness in a city’s waterways, emphasizing the calm interaction between the vessels and their surroundings. The masts rise upright, while the modest architecture in the background suggests a modest, everyday setting rather than a grandiose view.
Technique & Style
Executed with graphite on laid paper, the drawing relies on delicate shading to render the soft textures of water, wood, and stone. The laid paper’s subtle grain contributes to the overall muted tone, while the precise line work highlights structural details such as the masts and building facades.
History & Provenance
The work belongs to the early period of French artist Charles Meryon, who later became renowned for his etchings of Paris. Despite his color‑blindness, Meryon produced a number of drawings before focusing on printmaking. He lived from 1821 to 1868, spending his final years in a mental institution.
Context
Meryon’s drawings often reflect the Romantic interest in atmospheric urban scenes. This piece precedes his most famous series of Parisian etchings, offering insight into his developing approach to capturing the mood of the city’s riverbanks.
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Artist & collection
Artist
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.
