Portrait of Meryon Sitting up in Bed 1858

Léopold Flameng created this etching, "Portrait of Meryon Sitting up in Bed," depicting the artist Charles Meryon during a period of mental distress. Meryon, a well-regarded etcher of Parisian cityscapes, suffered from mental illness and was institutionalized. Here, Flameng captures Meryon in a state of confinement, his shadow looming large against the wall, a stark representation of his internal struggles. The setting, presumably a room in the asylum, emphasizes Meryon's isolation. His gaze is intense. We are left to wonder what exactly he is thinking, what torments him. This portrait serves as a poignant reminder of the intersection of artistic genius and the fragility of mental health in the 19th century. It challenges the romanticized image of the artist, revealing the human cost of creativity and the societal stigmas surrounding mental illness. This etching invites us to reflect on how society treats those who are different, while pondering the delicate balance between mind and body.