Artwork
Chasse-maree au plus pres

Chasse-maree au plus pres 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.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:Not signed. Not dated. "-Chasse-maree au plus pres.-" upper center composition, graphite, artist's hand. "Chasse-Maree / Drawing by C. Meryon 1893 / aged 18 / (from the Heywood collection)" verso, center sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "c.1378/K410" verso, lower left sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "5" verso, lower left sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "con 2545" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "c. 1378" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, unknown hand.
- Markings
- Marked:"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
Chasse-maree au plus près is a 1844 drawing by Charles Meryon, a French artist known for his etchings, created using graphite on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts three ships on a turbulent sea, with the central vessel featuring two tall masts and billowing sails. The scene is set against a rocky shoreline and trees on the horizon, suggesting a dynamic maritime scene possibly related to tides or fishing activities.
Technique & Style
Meryon employed quick, light graphite lines to convey the movement of the water and sails, capturing the energy of the scene.
Own this work as a print
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.



















