View of Part of the City of Paris toward the Close of the XVII Century 1861

Charles Meryon made this print of Paris in the 19th century using etching, a painstaking intaglio process. First, a metal plate is coated with a waxy ground. The artist then draws through the ground with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. The plate is immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Meryon skillfully renders the architectural details and bustling activity of the city. Notice the dense network of lines, capturing the texture of buildings and the reflections on the water. This wasn't just a depiction of Paris; it was a product of the city, dependent on skilled labor and the infrastructure of printmaking. By focusing on the process, we recognize that this print is more than just a picture; it’s a testament to the labor and technical expertise embedded in its creation.