Who painted College Henri IV?

College Henri IV was painted by Charles Meryon.

Where can I see College Henri IV?

College Henri IV is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is College Henri IV?

College Henri IV is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of College Henri IV?

Museum-quality prints of College Henri IV are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

College Henri IV

Charles Meryon

College Henri IV is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:"autre partie du grand / dessin complete sur / place. CM / 1869" upper right composition, brown ink, artist's hand. "H et de niveau avec G" upper right composition, graphite, unknown hand. "A." upper left composition, graphite, unknown hand. "Study by C. Meryon / for details of his etching / College Henri IV." / LD 43 / W 58 / (From the Burty collection) verso, center sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "315/50" verso, lower left 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

College Henri IV is a drawing created by Charles Meryon in 1869, executed in graphite with red chalk additions on laid paper. It is a rare example of Meryon's work in drawing, as he was primarily known as an etcher.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts the Collège Henri-IV, a historic Parisian school, showcasing Meryon's fascination with the city's Gothic architecture. Annotations on the drawing, such as 'porte principale', suggest it was a preparatory study for a larger work.

Technique & Style

Characterized by quick, scratchy lines and subtle red chalk accents, the drawing has a loose, sketchy quality. The use of graphite and red chalk on textured laid paper adds to its informal, draft-like appearance, with some areas left unfinished.

History & Provenance

Meryon, known for his colour blindness, worked mainly in etching, a medium that doesn't rely on colour. As a result, this drawing is an unusual example of his work in a different medium, offering insight into his artistic process.

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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.