The Sickly Cryptogam 1860

"The Sickly Cryptogam" is a small etching by Charles Meryon, a prominent figure of the Realist movement in 19th century French art. The etching features a single, twisted plant, rendered in delicate, detailed lines against a light background. This work, created in 1860, showcases Meryon's interest in the natural world, which often served as a source of inspiration for his more famous cityscapes. The etching's subtle use of light and shadow, characteristic of Meryon's style, emphasizes the fragility and beauty of the plant. The inclusion of the inscription "pour l'épreure, original et fin" (for the proof, original and finished), hints at the artist's dedication to printmaking and the importance of the unique object. The artwork is currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago.