Address-Card of the Printseller, Rochoux c. 1855

Charles Meryon created this address card for the print seller Rochoux, using etching techniques to produce intricate lines and textures. At first glance, the symmetrical arrangement of text and decorative elements evokes a sense of classical order. However, Meryon subtly destabilizes this order. Notice the placement of the lettering and the graphic elements which serve as a frame. These features create a visual interplay between information and embellishment. The frame, adorned with figures and architectural motifs, both contains and enhances the central text. Meryon uses a semiotic system. The bridge, the statue and the stylized lettering function as signs, alluding to Rochoux’s profession and location. Yet, these signs are not merely representational. They convey a sense of history and permanence, transforming a simple business card into a work of art. Ultimately, the success of this work lies in Meryon's ability to fuse functionality with aesthetic value. He elevates the mundane into the realm of art, inviting us to reconsider the cultural significance embedded in everyday objects.