It Rocks but is Not Sunk

Charles Meryon

Created:

Movement:

1854

Realism

key Notes:

Nautical resilience, Parisian cityscape

Dimensions:

Image: 17.2 × 15.9 cm (6 13/16 × 6 5/16 in.); Plate: 17.2 × 15.9 cm (6 13/16 × 6 5/16 in.); Sheet: 26.8 × 18.7 cm (10 9/16 × 7 3/8 in.)

medium:

Etching on ivory laid paper

Difficulty:

Expert

New game

story of the work:

"It Rocks but is Not Sunk" by Charles Meryon is an etching, not a painting, created in 1854 as part of his series "Eaux-fortes sur Paris," which depicts the city of Paris. The work features a symbolic representation of a ship, alluding to the resilience of Paris, with the title referencing the city's motto "Fluctuat nec mergitur," meaning "She is tossed by the waves but does not sink."

Description of the work:

"It Rocks but is Not Sunk" by Charles Meryon is an etching that depicts a maritime scene, characterized by its intricate line work and detailed rendering of ships amidst turbulent waters. The composition is marked by a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the movement and tension within the scene, while the use of ivory laid paper adds a subtle texture to the overall visual impact.

Artwork Photograph Source:

Art Institute of Chicago

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