Artwork
Le tombeau de Molière, au Père-Lachaise, Paris (Moliere's Tomb, in Père-Lachaise Cemetary, Paris)
Le tombeau de Molière, au Père-Lachaise, Paris (Moliere's Tomb, in Père-Lachaise Cemetary, Paris) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Le tombeau de Molière, au Père-Lachaise, Paris is an 1854 etching on laid paper by Charles Meryon, a prominent French etcher recognized for his Gothic-inspired depictions of Paris. The print captures the tomb of the renowned French playwright Molière located in Père-Lachaise Cemetery, Paris.
Subject & Meaning
The etching focuses on Molière's tomb, framed by leaf wreaths and surmounted by a flame emanating from an urn, symbols of remembrance and mourning. The precise rendering of the name 'Molière' on the stone emphasizes the subject's identity. The work serves as a tribute to the playwright's legacy.
Technique & Style
Executed in etching, a medium Meryon favored due to his colour blindness, the piece showcases his characteristic precision. The lines, akin to a detailed sketch, convey a sense of simplicity and clarity, devoid of colour, highlighting the subject through form and symbol.
History & Provenance
Created in 1854, the etching is part of Meryon's oeuvre that cemented his status as 19th-century France's most significant etcher. Specific provenance details for this piece are not provided.
Context
Meryon's work reflects a broader interest in Parisian landmarks and the Gothic aesthetic prevalent during the 19th century. Père-Lachaise Cemetery, with its notable graves, was a subject of fascination for artists and the public alike, symbolizing a connection to France's cultural heritage.
Legacy
Through *Le tombeau de Molière*, Meryon contributes to the enduring visual memory of Molière and Paris' architectural heritage. The etching exemplifies Meryon's contribution to the revival of etching as an artistic medium in 19th-century France.
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.
