The Mortuary, Paris (La Morgue) 1854

Charles Meryon's etching "The Mortuary, Paris (La Morgue)" (1854) depicts the Parisian morgue in the mid-19th century. The etching showcases Meryon's signature style, a blend of romanticism and realism, as he captures the haunting atmosphere of the building, contrasting the stark walls with the bustling city life in the background. The scene is rendered in a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the somber tone of the subject matter. The etching is a powerful example of the "Lost Paris" series that Meryon created, which documented the rapidly changing cityscape of Paris. The work is a testament to the social and architectural transformations of the city, and it remains a powerful reminder of the realities of life and death in 19th-century Paris.