L'abside de Notre-Dame de Paris (The Apse of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Paris)

L'abside de Notre-Dame de Paris (The Apse of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Paris)

Charles Meryon

1854

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows a river with a horse-drawn wagon crossing a small bridge. On the far side, a towering cathedral with two tall spires dominates the scene. The buildings nearby are simple, with straight lines and few windows. Boats float on the water, and a few people walk along the riverbank. The cathedral’s intricate details stand out against the rough, textured sky. The artist used lines to create depth, making the scene feel almost three-dimensional. Look up etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints with acid and needles.

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