Le Pont-au-Change, Paris

Charles Meryon

National Gallery of Art

The cityscape in the image includes a river, a large architectural structure on the right, a stone bridge stretching across the scene, pedestrians and a horse-drawn carriage crossing the bridge, a hot air balloon in the sky, and a small boat on the water. The scene is depicted in an etching style, using fine lines and detailing with a monochromatic sepia color palette conveying a historic ambiance. Smoke rises from chimneys in the distance as the city extends into the background.