MERYON, Charles

Charles Meryon etching ‘Le Pont-au-Change’

Description

Charles Meryon etching made in 1854. This etching is from the rare 5th state of 12 and is printed on thick old wove paper with quite rich drypoint. Trimmed close to image, losing the original plate mark. ( The plate mark size stated in the Schneiderman is 155 x 335 mm.) There is a slight foxing,  else in good condition.
Image size 140 x 320 mm  (5.25 x 12.25 inches)
Page size 145 x 320 mm  (5.5 x 12.25 inches)

Item details

Reference: Schneiderman 40, VI:  6th state, of 12, with cursive inscriptions added but before the balloon, Speranza, is replaced by the flock of birds.

It was whilst Meryon was making this plate that Baudelaire noticed Meryon’s mental instability. When Baudelaire questioned Meryon changing a balloon into a flock of birds of prey, Meryon replied that ‘this was not groundless since (the government) often released eagles to study omens after the rite: and this has been put into print in the newspapers…’