Study for San Francisco 1855 - 1856

This is a study for *San Francisco* (1855-1856) by the French artist Charles Meryon (1821-1868). *Study for San Francisco* is a pencil drawing on paper, and it is currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. The artwork depicts the city of San Francisco, with buildings, figures, and other details. The drawing captures the atmosphere of the city, and the study is a valuable insight into Meryon's creative process as he worked on a larger composition. The delicate lines and the overall composition offer a sense of urban life as captured by this artist's unique vision of the world. This preparatory drawing is an example of Meryon's highly detailed and meticulous approach to his art. The use of light and shadow and the careful rendering of architectural details are characteristic of his style, particularly his later etchings of Paris.