Study for San Francisco, center right section 1855 - 1856

Charles Meryon rendered "Study for San Francisco, center right section" in graphite on thin tracing paper. Meryon, a 19th-century French artist, spent time as a naval officer and traveled extensively. This study offers us a glimpse into Meryon's fascination with urban landscapes. During the 1850s, San Francisco was undergoing explosive growth due to the Gold Rush. The city became a melting pot of cultures, attracting people from all over the world seeking fortune. Meryon captures the city's burgeoning skyline, reflecting its transformation from a small settlement to a bustling metropolis. There is an emphasis on the built environment, but consider what is not shown. Absent are the indigenous populations and the displacement and erasure that accompanied this rapid development. The sketch is both a historical document and an emotional landscape. It prompts us to reflect on the complexities of progress and the stories that remain untold.