La morgue, Paris (The Mortuary)

Charles Meryon

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a detailed urban scene viewed from a slight elevation. In the foreground, small boats are parked along a waterway, with people inside. Beyond that, there is a quay with people engaged in various activities. A stone wall leads up to a roofed structure with small windows adjacent to a large stone building. Further back, there are tall, multi-story buildings with narrow chimneys releasing smoke. The skyline is filled with these buildings, creating a densely built area. The image uses fine lines and cross-hatching for texture, shadow, and depth. It is monochrome, typical of an etching, emphasizing details through contrast.