Artwork

Nouvelle Zélande, Presqu'ile de Banks (View of Collier's Point, New Zealand)

Nouvelle Zélande, Presqu'ile de Banks (View of Collier's Point, New Zealand) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:Not signed. Not dated. "66.42. Nouvelle Zélande, Presqu'ile de Banks. 1845. / Pointe dite du Charbonnieres, à Akaroa. Pêche àla Seine / Epreuve avant la letre et l'adresse de l'Imprimeur" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. "D 69III" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "25495" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "APG 19271" verso, lower center sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "14" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, unknown hand.
Markings: Marked:(Otto Gerstenberg collector's stamp) lower right margin, black stamped ink, (Lugt 2785).

About this work

Overview

Nouvelle Zélande, Presqu'ile de Banks is an etching on laid paper created by Charles Meryon in 1863. It is one of six versions of the scene, each with subtle variations.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a rugged New Zealand coastline, featuring steep cliffs and turbulent waves. The scene is rendered in detail, capturing the texture and atmosphere of the landscape.

Technique & Style

Meryon employed drypoint technique, scratching lines into the metal plate to achieve a range of tonal values and textures. The varying line weights and shading create depth and visual interest, drawing the viewer's eye to the waves.

Own this work as a print

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.