La salle des pas-perdus à l'ancien Palais-de-Justice, Paris (The Antechamber of the Palace of Justice, Paris)

Charles Meryon

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an architectural interior. The image depicts the interior of a large vaulted structure with rows of columns dividing the space into two expansive aisles. These aisles are topped with a series of semi-circular arches supported by tall, slender pillars, giving the ceiling the appearance of vaulted domes. The walls are adorned with statues fitted into niches, while large arched windows run along the upper part of the walls, allowing natural light to enter. Numerous figures at the ground level suggest a bustling atmosphere. The detailed perspective emphasizes the grandeur and the complex geometric patterns of the ceiling and support beams.