L'abside de Notre-Dame de Paris (The Apsis ofthe Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Paris) 1854

Charles Meryon created this etching, *The Apsis of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Paris*, using a technique which lends itself to intricate detail and stark contrasts. Meryon's composition invites us to consider the relationship between architecture and the everyday life of the city. The scene is structured by the imposing cathedral on the right, balanced by the bridge and human activity on the left. This formal arrangement directs our gaze across the water, engaging with the architectural and social dimensions of Paris. Meryon masterfully uses line and texture to differentiate the solidity of the cathedral from the fluidity of the water, creating a dialogue between the eternal and the ephemeral. The etching technique allows for a play of light and shadow, emphasizing the depth and complexity of the architectural forms, and the gritty reality of urban life. This contrast could invite reflections on permanence and change, as the cathedral, a symbol of enduring values, overlooks the transient activities of the city.