Moliere's Tomb c. 1854

This is a preliminary sketch for the etching "Moliere's Tomb" by Charles Meryon, created in 1854. The artist is known for his detailed etchings of Parisian landmarks and buildings, often with a melancholic and romantic sensibility. This sketch demonstrates Meryon's meticulous planning, with its focus on the architectural details and the composition of the final artwork. The sketch is likely a study for the etching's central element: the tomb of the famous playwright, Moliere, as seen from the perspective of a passerby.