Artwork

Chateau de Chenonceau, 2e planche (The Chateau of Chenonceau, 2nd plate)

Chateau de Chenonceau, 2e planche (The Chateau of Chenonceau, 2nd plate) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:"C. Meryon sculp. d'apres Ducerceau" center left composition, in plate, artist's hand. Not dated. "A. Delâtre Imp. Rue du Fg St Jacques No 81 Paris" lower left margin, in plate, artist's hand. "CHENONCEAU." upper left composition, in plate. "LD 58III" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "C4295" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. "GS" lower right margin, brown ink, artist's hand. "25" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. "[illeg.] / ye" 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).

About this work

Overview

Chateau de Chenonceau, 2e planche is an 1856 etching on laid paper by Charles Meryon, a prominent French etcher of the 19th century. The print captures the historic Château de Chenonceau, situated over the River Cher in France, emphasizing architectural details and light effects.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is the renowned Château de Chenonceau, portrayed with its distinctive bridge and towers. The etching highlights the structure's grandeur and the interplay of light and shadow on its facade, reflecting Meryon's Gothic aesthetic.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching, a medium Meryon relied on due to his colour blindness, the work showcases his mastery of the technique. Intricate details, textures, and nuanced depth are achieved through the etching process, characteristic of Meryon's distinctive style.

History & Provenance

Created in 1856, this etching is part of Meryon's oeuvre as the most significant etcher of 19th-century France. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

While Meryon's work predates Impressionism, the attention to light and shadow in Chateau de Chenonceau, 2e planche shares a thematic affinity with the movement, though stylistically rooted in Meryon's Gothic vision.

Legacy

As a work by Charles Meryon, Chateau de Chenonceau, 2e planche contributes to his legacy as a leading etcher of his time, notable for his ability to evoke atmosphere and architectural presence through the etching medium.

Chateau de Chenonceau, 1re planche (The Chateau of Chenonceau, 1st plate), Charles Meryon

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Artist & collection

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.