Charles MeryonCharles MeryonAn eccentric and secretive artist who died mad at the notorious asylum in Charenton, Charles Meryon (1821-1868) was a consummate craftsman when it came to etching. He gave new life to the concept of the "original print" through a steadfast commitment to his art, with a prodigious œuvre of more than 100 works.
Partial to stark, meticulously handled architectural views of 19th century Paris, his subjects often take on a disquieting note in a style that, to paraphrase the Goncourt brothers, could well be called "fantastic realism."
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Le StrygeThe VampireDelteil 23, Wright 23, Schneiderman 27
This stark close-up of the famous Notre Dame chimera, amidst swirling birds, with the Tour Saint Jacques in the background, shows Meryon's fascination with fantastic themes.
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La MorgueThe MorgueDelteil 36, Wright 36, Schneiderman 42
The riverfront at the mortuary serves as staging for a tragically animated scene in one of Meryon's most renowned prints.
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