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An engraving created by French artist Charles Méryon in 1854. This work is the central and most popular piece in his series "Etchings of Paris." The artist uses etching and drypoint techniques to masterfully convey the details and architectural grandeur of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
His skillful play of light and shadow creates a truly Gothic scene. Stark black birds against a white sky, the shadows of ominous clouds, solitary figures—this atmosphere is tense and dynamic. The artwork seems to have a life of its own, existing independently of the viewer.
Fun fact: the artist did not choose the technique by chance. He suffered from color blindness, and the monochrome palette allowed him to express emotion without using color.