Molière's tomb, Père-Lachaise Cemetery, Paris 1854

Charles Meryon created this etching on copper plate of Molière's tomb in Père-Lachaise Cemetery, Paris. The composition centers on the tomb itself, rendered with precise, architectural lines. Light emanates from within, evoking a sense of reverence. Meryon’s emphasis on line and form transforms the tomb into a semiotic symbol, a signifier of Molière’s enduring legacy. The wreath encircling the tomb suggests eternal remembrance, while the copper plate’s tonality infuses the scene with a melancholic and reflective mood. The stark geometry of the tomb contrasts with the organic fluidity of the wreath, destabilizing any singular interpretation. The tension between these elements invites us to question fixed meanings, reflecting the philosophical themes prevalent in structuralist thought. The artwork becomes a site of ongoing interpretation, engaging with new ways of thinking about representation and memory.