1869
graphite
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
College Henri IV is a 1869 graphite by Charles Meryon, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a cluster of old buildings drawn in quick, scratchy lines. Some roofs have faint red chalk marks, and a few tiny figures walk along the streets. The paper has a textured, off-white look, like old notebook paper. The artist added notes in French, like *"porte principale"* (main door), hinting this was a study for a larger project. The loose, sketchy style feels more like a quick draft than a finished drawing. Next, check out the technique: sfumato to see how artists blend edges softly.
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.
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