Pont-Neuf, Paris 1853

Charles Meryon etched "Pont-Neuf, Paris," capturing the iconic bridge with a sharp eye for detail, during a time of immense social change in France. Meryon, who worked as a marine artist, brings an outsider perspective to this depiction of Parisian life. You see, he highlights the everyday experiences of working-class Parisians against the backdrop of one of the city's oldest and most majestic structures. Note how the intricate linework emphasizes the weight and age of the stone. Consider the bridge as more than just a physical structure, it's a meeting point for different social classes. Meryon creates an awareness of the divisions within Parisian society, contrasting the grandeur of the architecture with the more intimate scale of human interactions. In a letter, Meryon wrote of his intention to portray the “soul” of Paris. "Pont-Neuf, Paris" invites us to reflect on the intersections of history, identity, and the human experience.